Influence of Chicken and Rabbit manure on the Nutritive quality of Lablab pupureus, Mucuna pruriens and Centrosema pascuorum

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of manure type on the proximate composition and fibre fractions of Lablab pupureus, Mucuna pruriens and Centrosema pascuorum during the rainy season of 2018. A total of 27 experimental plots (3×3 m each) were used for the study. The plots were laid out in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement such that each unit had one of the 3 leguminous forage planted with one of the manure (control, rabbit, poultry) applied. Each plot was replicated thrice in a completely randomized design. Plant samples were harvested 12 weeks after planting for the determination of their chemical
composition. In comparison with other legume studied, C. pascuorum had higher (p<0.05) Ash, Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL) content while L. purpureus showed higher (p<0.05 values for Crude Protein (CP), Nitrogen Free Extract (NFE) and Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF). Dry matter content of M. pruriens (86.64%) was also higher (p<0.05). Higher (p<0.05) values of CP, CF, NDF, ADF and ADL were found in legumes fertilized with either rabbit or poultry manure compared to the control. Application of rabbit manure led to a significant improvement in the DM, CF and fat and CP, and ash content of M. pruriens and fat and NDF contents in L. purpureus. Therefore application of rabbit manure to legumes understudied is recommended for improved nutritive quality.