Ruminal degradability of mixtures of Panicum maximum and four forage legume hays in N 'dama steer

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate rumen degradability of Panicum maximum (Panicum) and Lablab purpureus (lablab). Stylosanthes guianensis (stylo). Centrosema pubescens (centro) and Aeschynomene histrix (histrix) harvested from the paddock consisting of grass and herbaceous legumes. Mixtures of P marimum (l. 8g) and each of these legumes (l.2g) were weighed together and incubated in a cannulated steer. Rumen degradability of the Panicum and legume mixtures were studied at 0, 6, 12. 24. 48 and 72 hours using the equation P=a+b (I-e-ct). Average dry matter (DM) and crude protein of the herbaceous legumes were 37.83% DM and 19.86% CP. respectively The soluble fraction. a ofthe DM degradation ranged from 23.34 to 31 rumen degradable fraction, b ranged from 39 46 to 44.43% DM. disappearance rate of substrates C was highest in lablab (12.4%h-1) and stylo (10.2%h-1) Protein degradation characteristics varied significantly (P< 0.05) among the treatments Hlgher b Potential degradability PD and Effective degradability ED. fractions were observed in the sole legumes and grass legumes combinations than the sole grass. This study revealed that hay consisting of grass and legume mixtures was better degraded in terms of DM.CP and fiber fractions in the rumen compared to sole grass hay and this could translate to enhance performance of livestock when fed these mixtures.