Improving Protein Contents in Mixed Forage of Corn and Groundnut by Intercropping

Authors: Belel MD*

DOI: 10.23880/oajar-16000296

Volume 7, Issue 3

Abstract

Cereal crops constitute a major source of feeds to the livestock system but with low protein content. Cultivation of this major crop along with legumes may likely increase the proteins in combined feeds of cereal-legumes through intercropping. An experiment was set up using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) at the research farm of the department of Horticultural Technology of Federal Polytechnic Mubi to study the contribution of groundnut in improving the proteins in combined forage of Corn-Groundnut through intercropping. Results indicate that intercropping significantly increased the growth and physiological performance of corn in the corn-groundnut intercrop. There was also a significant increase in potassium mineral due to intercropping. The Acid Detergent Lignin content of the combined forage was significant reduced. Dry matter yield of groundnut was significantly reduced while that of corn was increased from 2636.6-6257.5 kg ha-1. The crude protein in total forage increased from 8.21% in sole corn to 12.97% when intercropped with groundnut. It is therefore seen that a significant increase in digestibility, better protein content and higher dry matter was achieved for forage due to intercropping

Keywords: Protein content; Forage; Intercropping; Corn; Groundnut

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