Biomass yield and chemical composition of Macroptillium autro purpureum and Stylosanthes hamata

Abstract

The main aim of this research was to find out the biomass yield and chemical composition of two commonly used tree fodders i.e. Macroptilium atropurpureum and Stylosanthes hamata grown in veterinary college hebbal, Bengaluru, Karnataka. The tree fodders were grown and samples were collected and analyzed for DM (Dry Matter), CP (Crude Protein), Ash, EE (Ether extract), NDF (Neutral Detergent Fibre), ADF (Acid Detergent Fibre), ME (Metabolizable energy) and protein yield as well as biomass yield from these tree fodders over a period of one year. The study revealed that biomass yield of Macroptilium atropurpureum and Stylosanthes hamata were 78.37 and 76.34 t/ha/yr respectively. The Proximate composition which includes crude protein, ether extract showed 13.73% and 15.07%, 2.45% and 2.02% respectively. NDF value and Metabolizable energy of these both fodder is around 47.78 and 54.42, 9.58 and 8.41MJ/kg respectively. Protein yield Macroptilium atropurpureum showed lower of 2.24 t/ha/yr compared to 3.37 t/ha/yr by Stylosanthes hamata.