Dry matter yield and nutritional value of companion crops, intercropped with maize, for grazing purposes in northwestern KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

The northwestern part of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in South Africa is suitable for sheep farming as well as crop production. However, there are some constraints to animal production due to the low quality of natural vegetation during winter. Alternative winter feeding strategies have been suggested from research conducted in similar vegetation types in other parts of South Africa. Grazing maize is a potential alternative fodder source but its low crude protein might be a limitation to acceptable livestock production. This preliminary study investigated the potential of inter-cropping maize with high protein content crops for providing sheep with fodder of acceptable quality during winter in northwestern KZN. Raphanus sativus (Japanese radish), Ornithopus sativus (serradella) and Vicia dasycarpa (grazing vetch) showed promising results in terms of dry matter yield and nutritional value. The production of Pennisetum glaucum (babala) and Avena sativa (oats) was relatively high. However, the nutritional value of both these species was marginal. Glycine max (soybeans) and Lablab purpureus (dolichos)showed good and above required nutritional properties, but dry matter yield was low.

Keywords: cool season crops, grazing maize, inter-cropping, legumes, winter feed

African Journal of Range & Forage Science 2005, 22(3): 185–190