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Sudan Journal of Agricultural Research
Forage legume hay as a dry season supplement for goats in North Kordofan,
Sudan:an integrated crop-livestock approach
Faisal M.EI-Hagl and Ahmed S. EI Wakee1
Abstract:
This paper reports a study conducted on utilization of forage legume hay as
a dry season supplement for goats in North Kordofan, Sudan. The objective
was to highlight efforts undertaken towards integrated crop-livestock
production under dryland farming conditions of the country.
Observations on phenologic and agronomic characters of cIitoria, pigeon pea
and cowpea were recorded. Pigeonpea and cowpea gave higher forage yield and
they were observed to require longer periods to physiological maturity than
clitoria. Hay samples from three legumes were evaluated for chemical
composition and nutritive value and were found to have higher (P < 0.01)
nutrient content than the natural grass stand during the dry season.
Forage legume hay supplementation resulted in improved (P < 0.05)
performance of lactaing goats. Supplemented goats had higher (P < 0.05)
weight gains and higher (P < 0.05) milk yields in comparison to the
controls. Kids of the supplemented goats also had higher (P < 0.05) weights
and weight gains.
It was concluded that forage legumes could provide one means for more
efficient integrated livestock
crop production. Yet a rigorous economic analysis of the long term effects
on smallholder flocks performance should be evaluated. Moreover, extension
programs are recommended to draw farmers' attention to incorporate forage
legumes into their cropping systems.
Keywords:
Sudan Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 1(1998) PP. 41-44
