Evaluation of Yield and nutritive value of Alternanthera brasiliana at various stages of growth as a potential fodder for ruminants in the tropics

Abstract

This study evaluated the potential yield and nutritive value of Alternenthera brasiliana (A.brasiliana) at differentstages of growth as fodder for ruminants in the tropics. A.brasiliana was established in a school plot in acompletely randomized block design with three replications and were harvested at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of growth.Results revealed that dry matter (DM) yield increased significantly (p < 0.05) with maturity, ranging from 0.47 to2.52 t/ha for 4 - 12 weeks respectively. The crude protein (CP) yield increased significantly from 0.03 -0.16 t/hain 4 – 12 week-old A.brasiliana respectively. Result of nutrient composition revealed that DM increasedsignificantly with age, ranging between 23.91 and 20.17 % in 12 week old stem and leaf plus stem respectively.The CP content decreased significantly from 4-12 week-old A.brasiliana. Highest CP (22.83 %) was obtained in 4week-old leaf, while the lowest (8.83 %) was obtained in 12 week-old stem. The neutral detergent fibre increasedsignificantly with maturity, recording the highest (66.81 %) in 12 week old stem and lowest (38.24 %) in 4 weekold leaf. Macro and micro minerals contents differed significantly (p<0.05). The mineral concentration of all partsdecreased with maturity. Leaf contained higher concentrations of macro and micro elements than other partsexcept for potassium that is highest in the stem. Anti-nutrients content was not significant, although the valuesobtained here are safe for animal consumption It can be concluded that Alternenthera brasiliana has potential asforage in animal nutrition in this region, as it contained adequate nutrients to meet the requirements ofruminants in the tropics. This research will go ahead to ensile A.brasiliana and feed to ruminant animals.