The Proximate Compositions and Rumen Degradabilities of Some Tropical and Temperate Legumes

Abstract

The proximate compositions and degradabilities in the rumen of tropical legumes (peas and beans) and temperate peas were studied with the aim of comparatively evaluating their nutritive potential for ruminants. The mean crude fibre content of temperat peas (11.3%) was higher than for tropical peas and beans. The mean gross energy contents ortropical peas (18.2 MJ/kg) and beans (18.6 MJ/kg) were higher than for temperate peas (17.0 MJ/kg) despite a higher mean ash value for the tropical types. Other proximate components were very similar for both tropical and temperate legumes although lima bean had a higher crude protein content. Generally the individual compositions of both the temperate peas and were within the range or published values for tropical legumes. The degradabilities of the dry matter and crude protein in the rumen of hay-fed cows were comparable for both tropical and temperate type legumes.

Keywords: Legumes, Tropical, Temperate, Rumen Degradability, Proximate Composition