CRUDE PROTEIN CONTENT OF LABLAB (Lablab purpureus CV rongai) AS INFLUENCED BY HARVESTING PERIOD UNDER GREEN HOUSE CONDITION

Abstract

Green forage demand for the rapidly expanding livestock industry is increasing day by day, particularly in Nigeria. This study examined the effect of cutting lablab at different stages of growth on the crude protein content (CP). The experiment was set in a completely randomized design (CRD), with forty two (42) pots and six different harvesting date at weekly interval were considered as treatments for forage part (leaves, stem and roots) crude protein. Data obtained from this study were presented using Bar-charts. Bar-chart 1, 2 and 3 represent crude protein content of lablab leaves, stem and roots harvested from week 1 to 6 post germination. The result indicated that lablab leaves and stem harvested at week 6 had the highest crude protein content of 12.55% and 9.95% CP, respectively while roots harvested at week 5 had better crude protein content (5.45%CP). It was therefore suggested that lablab purpureus forage should be harvested

at week 6 of age post germination for optimum crude protein content for livestock forage