الفهرس 
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Abstract
SUMMARY
Six field experiments were carried out at the Experimental Research Center, Faculty of Agriculture, Moshtohor, Benha University, Kalubia Governorate during two growing seasons (2007 and 2008) in three different studies.
I. The first study
Bonavista bean performance
Experiments were designed and implemented to evaluate fresh and dry forage yield, vegetative growth behaviour, and quality determinations of three Egyptian indigenous-native forage legumes (Bonavista bean White seed-coat, Black seed-coat and Brown seed-coat) planted in 3 population densities with three seeding rates in respect of (10, 20 and 30 kg/fed).
Experiments were layed out and statistically analyzed as split plot design where Bonavista bean types were randomly distributed in the main plots and seeding rates in the split plots. Two individual cuts were obtained in each of the two growing seasons and their combined analysis. Results could be summarized as follows:
- Fresh forage yield
- Results of the combined analysis indicated significant differences in total fresh forage yield among the studied Bonavista bean types. The White type was of the highest significant total fresh forage production (22.25 ton/fed), whereas, Brown and Black Bonavista bean type produced almost similar fresh forage yield which was 19.03 and 19.06 ton /fed, respectively. So, the White type of B.bean was of about 17% higher in fresh forage yield as compared with the other two types (Brown and Black).
- The combined analysis clarified that total forage yield of each of the grown Bonavista bean types substantially increased as seeding rates increased with significant differences of various magnitudes. As seeding rates increased from 10 to 20 and up to 30 kg /fed, total fresh forage yield was increased with a respective production of 17.49, 20.38 and 22.47 ton/fed.
- Results generally indicated that the highest fresh forage yield was obtained from White B. bean types when planted at the highest seeding rates (30kg/fed). Meanwhile, the lowest forage yield was obtained from Brown Bonavista bean type, planted at the lowest seeding rate (10kg/fed), where the interaction effect between types and seeding rates was significant.
- Dry forage yield
- Total dry forage yield productivity could be ranked in the following descending order: White < Black< Brown Bonavista bean types. The respective total dry forage yield was 3.62, 3.04 and 1.03 ton/fed. It should be clarified that highest productive dry forage was recorded for the White Bonavista bean type, whereas, the lowest one was for the Brown type. The White type was of about 28% higher in dry forage yield as compared with the other two types (Black and Brown).
- Regarding the impact of seeding rates, combined analysis(over the grown types) indicated that the obtained total dry yield of each of the grown Bonavista bean types substantially increased as seeding rates increased significantly. As seeding rates increased from 10 to 20 and up to 30 kg /fed, total dry yield was significantly increased with a respective production of 2.81, 3.25 and 3.47 ton /fed.
- Results evidentiate that highest dry forage yield was obtained for White type when planted at the highest seeding rate (30kg /fed). Meanwhile, the lowest dry yield was obtained from the Black Bonavista bean type, planted at the lowest seeding rate (10kg/fed.).
Vegetative growth characteristics
-Plant height
- Combined analysis clarified appreciable significant differences in plant height among the studied Bonavista bean types with variable significant magnitudes. Plant height could be ranked in the following descending order: Black then White followed by Brown Bonavista bean types. The respective plant heights were 165.15, 109.87 and 91.03 cm. In should be clarified that highest plant height was recorded for the Black Bonavista bean type, whereas, the lowest one was for the Brown type. The Black type was of about 81.4% taller in plant height as compared with the other two types (White and Brown).
- The combined analysis indicated that the obtained plant heights of each of the grown Bonavista bean types substantially decreased as seeding rates increased significantly. As seeding rates increased from 10 to 20 and up to 30 kg /fed, plant heights was significantly decreased with a respective plant heights of 140.44, 122.70 and 102.91 cm.
- Results proved that tallest plant were obtained for Black type when planted at the lower seeding rates (10kg/fed). Meanwhile, shortest plant heights were obtained from Brown type, planted at the highest seeding rate (30kg/fed).
-Stem diameter
- The Black and the Brown Bonavista bean types were of similar stem diameter which was 0.91cm. Meanwhile, the White type was of the thinnest stem diameter (0.81 cm). Brown and Black types were of about 12.3 % thicker in stem diameter as compared with the White type of Bonavista bean.
- The combined analysis (over the grown Bonavista bean types), indicated that the obtained stem diameter of each of the grown types decreased as seeding rates increased significantly. As seeding rates increased from 10 to 20 and up to 30 kg /fed, stem diameter was significantly decreased with a respective stem diameter of 1.09, 0.86 and 0.67 cm.
- Results evidentiated that largest stem diameters were obtained for Black type when planted at the lightest seeding rates (10kg/fed). Meanwhile, the lowest stem diameter was obtained from Black type planted at the highest seeding rate (30kg/fed).
-Leaf area / plant
- The combined analysis (over the applied seeding rates), exerted no significant differences in leaf area /plant among the studied Bonavista bean types. However, leaf area /plant could be ranked in the following descending order: Brown (923.74cm2) then White (911.92cm2) followed by Black (857.96cm2) without significant differences. In this respect, the highest leaf area /plant was produced for the Brown type, which was of about 7.7 % higher in leaf area /plant as compared with the other two types (Black and White).
- The combined analysis (over the grown types), clarified that the obtained leaf area / plant of each of the grown types substantially decreased as seeding rates increased significantly. As seeding rates increased from 10 to 20 and up to 30 kg /fed, leaf area was significantly decreased with a respective area per plant of 1232.93, 870.03 and 590.67 cm2 / plant. Whereas, the lowest seeding rate (10 kg/fed) was of about 42% and 109% higher in leaf area / plant as compared with the medium (20 kg/fed) and highest seeding rate (30 kg /fed.). Meanwhile, the medium seeding rate was of about 47% higher in leaf area as compared with the highest seeding rates with appreciable significant differences.
- Data evidentiated that highest leaf area /plant was obtained for White type when planted at the lowest seeding rates (10kg/fed). Whereas, the lowest leaf area / plant was obtained from Black type, planted at the highest seeding rate (30kg/fed).
-Leaf / stem ratio
- Leaf /stem ratio could be ranked in the following descending order: Brown (0.84) then White (0.81) followed by Black type (0.67).It was noticed that the highest leaf /stem ratio was recorded for the Brown type. Whereas, the lowest one was for the Black type. The Brown type was of about 25 % higher in leaf /stem ratio as compared with the other two types of Bonavista bean (Black and White).
- Combined analysis showed no significant differences in leaf /stem ratio of plants at the applied seeding rates (Table 8). The obtained leaf /stem ratio of plants for each of the grown types substantially decreased as seeding rates increased with no significant differences. As seeding rates increased from 10 to 20 and up to 30 kg /fed, leaf /stem ratio of plants was decreased with a respective ratios of 0.97, 0.78 and 0.75.
- Results clarified that highest leaf / stem ratio was obtained for plants of Brown type when planted at the medium seeding rates (20kg/fed). Meanwhile, the lowest leaf / stem ratio was obtained for plants of Black type, planted at the highest seeding rate (30kg/fed).
-Light intensity effect
- Among the studied Bonavista bean types; Light intensity differences (from the atmost top of plants and close to the soil surface) could be ranked in the following descending order: White (83291lux) then Black (82181lux) followed by Brown (81279lux).Whereas, the White type was of about 2.5 % higher in light intensity differences as compared with the other two types (Black and Brown type).
- The obtained light intensity difference for each of the grown types substantially increased as seeding rates increased significantly. In other words, as seeding rates increased from 10 to 20 and up to 30 kg /fed, light intensity difference was significantly increased with a respective light intensity difference of 79587.02, 82205.90 and 84963.83 lux. Whereas, the highest seeding rate was of about 7 % higher in light intensity difference as compared with the other two seeding rates ( 10 and 20 kg /fed.).
- Results evidentiated that highest light intensity difference was obtained for White type when planted at the highest seeding rates (30kg/fed). Meanwhile, the lowest light intensity difference obtained from the Brown type, planted at the lowest seeding rate (10kg/fed).
- Number of shoots/m2
- Combined analysis (over the applied seeding rates) clarified no significant differences in number of shoots among the studied Bonavista bean types. However, number of shoots/m2 could be ranked in the following descending order: White (19.8) then Brown (18.3) followed by Black (14.8 shoots/m2) without significant differences.
- The combined analysis (over the grown Bonavista bean types), indicated that the obtained number of shoots /m2of each of the grown types increased as seeding rates increased with significant differences. As seeding rates increased from 10 to 20 and up to 30 kg /fed, number of shoots /m2 was significantly increased with a respective number of shoots /m2 of 10.8, 16.8 and 25.4 shoots/m2. Whereas, the highest seeding rate was of about 135 % higher in number of shoots/m2 as compared with the other two seeding rat (10 and 20 kg /fed.).
- Results evidentiate that highest number of shoots /m2 was obtained for White type when planted at the highest seeding rates (30kg/fed). Whereas, the lowest number of shoots /m2 was obtained for Black type, planted at the lowest seeding rate (10kg/fed) where the interaction was significant.
- Chemical constituents
- Crude protein (CP) content
- The descending ranking order for CP content was 20.93, 19.93 and 19.19% for Brown (Br), Black (B) and White (W) Bonavista bean types in leaves being 9.52, 8.53 and 7.86% in stems of white, Brown and Black Bonavista bean.
- Over the grown types of Bonavista bean, combined analysis revealed significant decrease in CP content of their leaves and stems by the increase seeding rates from 10 to 20 and up to 30kg/fed. having respective CP content of 22.16, 20.23 and 17.68% in leaves, being 9.27, 8.66 and 7.99%in stems.
- Results indicated significant interaction effect for Bonavista bean types and plant population densities on CP content of leaves and stems, where the Black type planted at the lowest seeding rates (10 kg/fed) produced the highest leaf-CP content (25.79%) of the first cut, whereas, the same type produced the lowest CP content (12.97%), planted at seeding rates of 30 kg/fed. for the second cut. Almost similar trend was noticed for stems with similar magnitudes, where the White type produced the highest stem-CP content (11.74%) of the first cut, planted at the lowest seeding rates (10 kg/fed). Meanwhile, Black type produced the lowest stem-CP content (6.57%) of the second cut, planted at the highest seeding rates (30 kg/fed).
- Crude fiber (CF) content
- Regarding stems-CF content, slight ignorable differences was noticed where Brown type was higher than White type which in turn was higher than Black type this trend was noticed during the first season and the second cuts with very slight ignorable differences.
- As seeding rates increased from 10 to 20 up to 30 kg/fed CF content was substantially increased respectively, being 22.23, 24.65 and 26.84%. This trend was repeated for each of the two growing season and for each cut with significant difference either in leaves or stems with relatively higher magnitudes for stems rather than leaves and for the second than the first season.
- Results indicated significant interaction effect of Bonavista bean types and plant population densities on CF content of leaves and stems, where the Brown type planted at the highest seeding rates (30 kg/fed) produced the highest leaf-CF content (27.17%) of the second cut, whereas, the same type produced the lowest CF content (20.12%), planted at the lowest seeding rates (10 kg/fed.) for the first cut. Almost similar trend was noticed for stems with similar magnitudes, whereas, the White type produced the highest stem-CF content (47.0%) of the second cut, planted at the highest seeding rates (30 kg/fed). Meanwhile, Brown type produced the lowest stem-CF content (36.54%) of the first cut, planted at the lowest seeding rates (10 kg/fed).
- Ash content
- Ash-contents of leaves and stems for Bonavista bean types were significant different with slight variable magnitudes. The descending respective leaves-ash values were for Black (14.58%), White (13.67%) and Brown (13.58%), whereas, the respective stems-ash contents were for Brown (11.42%), White (10.83%) and Black type (9.83%).
- Over Bonavista bean types, increasing seeding rates caused very slightly reduction in stem-ash contents within quite ignorable levels.
- Results indicated significant interaction effect of Bonavista bean types and plant population densities on ash content of leaves and stems, where the Black type planted at the highest seeding rates produced the highest leaf-ash content of the second cut, whereas, the White type produced the lowest ash content, planted at highest seeding rates for the second cut. Almost similar trend was noticed for stems with similar magnitudes, where the Brown type produced the highest stem-ash content of the first cut, planted at the lowest seeding rates Meanwhile, Black type produced the lowest stem-ash content of the first cut, planted at the lowest seeding rates.
- Ether extract (EE) content
- The range of EE is very narrow and does not exceed appreciable value for response for any of the investigated factors under study or on its impact on EE for either leaves or stems for any of the studied Bonavista bean types.
- Nitrogen free extract (NFE) content
- Bonavista bean types varied significantly in their leaf and stem-NFE content. Results indicated the highest and lowest NFE values for leaves-NFE were noticed for White (W) and Black (B) types of Bonavista bean, respectively. Leaf-NFE contents were 37.96, 36.52 and 35.74% for White, Brown and Black respectively. Whereas for stems-NFE contents it was 39.44, 35.71 and 35.57% NFE for Black, Brown and White, respectively.
- Seeding rate did not follow specific trend in its effect on the NFE content of leaves. Whereas, stem-NFE contents were decreased as seeding rate increased significantly (Tables, 19&20). This trend was not noticed during seasons and their cuts with significant differences.
- Results indicated significant interaction effect of Bonavista bean types and plant population densities on NFE content of leaves and stems, where the White type planted at the highest seeding rates produced the highest leaf-NFE content of the second cut, whereas, the Brown type produced the lowest NFE content, planted at the highest seeding rates for the first cut. Almost similar trend was noticed for stems with similar magnitudes, where the Black type produced the highest stem-NFE content of the second cut, planted at the lowest seeding rates Meanwhile, White type produced the lowest stem-NFE content of the second cut, planted at the highest seeding rates.
- Nutritive value
A-Total digestible nutrients (TDN) content
- Combined analysis indicated that the Brown Bonavista bean type was significantly higher in the TDN as compared with the other two types (White and Black types).
- The TDN of leaves and stems of Bonavista bean type were decreased as seeding rates increased from 10 to 20 and up to 30kg/fed respectively. The respective TDN values were 65.96, 63.52 and 61.02% for leaves, being 49.59, 47.59 and 45.15% for stems.
- Results indicated significant interaction effect of Bonavista bean types and plant population densities on TDN content of leaves and stems, where the Brown type planted at the lowest seeding rates produced the highest leaf-TDN content of the first cut, whereas, the Brown type produced the lowest TDN content, planted at the highest seeding rates for the second cut. Almost similar trend was noticed for stems with similar magnitudes, where the Brown type produced the highest stem-TDN content of the first cut, planted at the lowest seeding rates Meanwhile, White type produced the lowest stem-TDN content of the second cut, planted at the highest seeding rates.
B-Digestible protein (DP) content
- Results showed parallel behaviors trend of almost similar trend to CP content previously presented.
II-The second study
Fodder cowpea performance
Experiments were designed and implemented to evaluate fresh and dry forage yield, vegetative growth behaviour, and quality determinations of three Egyptian indigenous-native forage legumes (Fodder cowpea types: Creamy seed-coat, Brown seed-coat and Dotted seed-coat) planted with three seeding rates in respect of population densities (15, 30 and 45 kg/fed).
Experiments were layed out and statistically analyzed as split plot design where Bonavista bean types were randomly distributed in the main plots and seeding rates in the split plots. Two individual cuts were obtained in each of the two growing seasons and their combined analysis. Results could be summarized as follows:
- Fresh forage yield
- Results of the combined analysis indicated significant differences among the studied fresh fodder cowpea types. The Creamy type was of the highest forage production (19.88 ton / fed). However, Brown and Dotted types produced almost similar forage yield which was 19.88 and 19.49 ton / fed., respectively. Whereas, Brown type was of the lowest significant fresh forage production (18.17 ton / fed), which was of about 9% lower in forage yield as compared with each to the other two types.
- The combined analysis clarified that total fresh forage yield of each of the grown types substantially increased as seeding rates increased with significant differences of various magnitudes. Total forage yield was of significant increase with a respective production of 17.67, 19.17 and 20.70 ton / fed. as seeding rates increased from 15 to 30 and up to 45 kg/fed.
- Results generally indicated that the highest forage yield was obtained for Creamy type when planted at the highest seeding rate (45 kg / fed). Meanwhile, the lowest fresh forage yield was obtained from Brown type, planted at the lowest seeding rate (15kg/ fed) with significant interaction differences.
- Dry forage yield
- Dotted and Creamy fodder cowpea types produced almost similar dry forage yield which was 2.85 and 2.83 ton/fed, respectively. Whereas, Brown type was of slightly lowest dry forage production (2.68 ton/fed), Moreover, the Dotted type was of about 6% higher in dry matter yield as compared with the other two types (Creamy and Brown). These results were not the same in fresh forage yield previously presented and discussed.
- The combined analysis revealed that total dry matter yield of each of the grown types substantially increased as seeding rates increased with significant differences of various magnitudes. As seeding rates increased from 15 to 30 and up to 45 kg/fed. Total dry matter yield was substantially increased with significant differences. The respective increase in dry yield production was 2.57, 2.74 and 3.05 ton/fed.
- Results showed that the highest dry forage yield was obtained for the Dotted type when planted at the highest seeding rates (45 kg/fed). Meanwhile, lowest dry forage yield was obtained from Brown type planted at the thinnest plant population densities (15 kg/fed) with significant interaction differences.
Vegetative growth characteristics
-Plant height
- Creamy fodder cowpea type was of the tallest plants (79.87cm). Whereas, the Brown and Dotted fodder cowpea produced almost similar plant heights which were 75.88 and 74.92 cm, respectively. Moreover, Creamy type was of about 6.6 % taller in plant heights as compared with the other two types (Dotted and Brown).
- Combined analysis (Over the grown types) revealed that plant height of each of the grown fodder cowpea types decreased as seeding rates increased with significant differences of various magnitudes. As seeding rates increased from 15 to 30 and up to 45 kg/fed. Plant heights were substantially decreased with significant differences with respective heights of 80.88, 77.27 and 72.52 cm.
- Results generally indicate that tallest plant heights were obtained for Creamy fodder cowpea type when planted at the lowest seeding rate (15 kg / fed). Meanwhile, the shortest plant heights were obtained from Dotted fodder cowpea, planted at the heaviest seeding rate (45kg/ fed).
-Stem diameter
- Combined analysis showed no significant differences in stem diameters between the studied fodder cowpea types.
- Over the grown fodder cowpea types indicated that the obtained stem diameter of each of the grown fodder cowpea types continuously decreased as seeding rates increased significantly. As seeding rates increased from 15 to 30 and up to 45 kg/fed. Stem diameters were decreased with a respective stem diameter of 0.67, 0.57 and 0.52 cm.
- Results generally showed that the highest stem diameters were obtained for Creamy fodder cowpea type when planted at the lowest seeding rate (15 kg / fed). And the lowest stem diameters were obtained also from Creamy fodder cowpea, planted at the highest seeding rate (45kg/ fed) with significant interaction.
-Leaf area / plant
- Creamy fodder cowpea type was of the highest leaf area /plant (274.12cm2) then Brown type (254.44cm2) followed by Dotted type (243.05cm2). In this respect, Creamy fodder cowpea type was of about 13% higher in leaf area /plant as compared with the other two types (Brown and Dotted).
- Combined analysis (over the grown types) clarified that the obtained leaf area /plant over grown types gradually decreased as seeding rates increased significantly. As seeding rates increased from 15 to 30 and up to 45 kg/fed., leaf area / plant was respectively decreased (354.85, 243.03 and 173.73 cm2/plant). The lowest seeding rate (15 kg/ fed.) produced plants of 104 % higher in leaf area / plant as compared with the higher seeding rates (30.and 45 kg /fed.).
- Results generally showed that the highest leaf area /plant was obtained for Creamy fodder cowpea type when planted at the lowest seeding rate (15 kg / fed). Meanwhile, the lowest leaf area / plant was obtained for Dotted fodder cowpea, planted at the highest seeding rate (45kg/fed), where the interaction were significant.
-Leaf / stem ratio
- The Brown fodder cowpea type was of the highest leaf / stem ratio (0.74). Whereas, the Creamy and Dotted fodder cowpea types recorded almost similar leaf / stem ratio which were 0.67 and 0.65 respectively. Moreover, the Brown type plants was of about 14 % higher in leaf / stem ratio as compared with the other two types of fodder cowpea (Creamy and Dotted).In this respect, the Creamy fodder cowpea type was of about 13 % higher in leaf area /plant as compared with the other two types (Brown and Dotted).
- The combined analysis (Over the grown fodder legumes) revealed that the obtained leaf / stem ratio of plants over grown fodder cowpea types substantially decreased as seeding rates increased with no significant differences. As seeding rates increased from 15 to 30 and up to 45 kg/fed. Leaf /stem ratio of plants was slightly and substantially decreased without significant differences of 0.72, 0.67 and 0.67, respectively.
- Results clarified that the highest leaf / stem ratio of plants was noticed for Brown fodder cowpea type when planted at the highest seeding rate (45 kg / fed). Meanwhile, the lowest leaf /stem ratio was obtained from Dotted fodder cowpea, planted at the highest seeding rate (45kg/fed).
-Light intensity effect
- Results from the combined analysis (over the applied seeding rates), clarified significant differences in light intensity difference between the studied Fodder cowpea types. However, the Brown type was of the highest light intensity difference (80882.94lux) then Creamy type (79267.19lux) followed by Dotted type (78929.67lux).
- Combined analysis(over the grown types) revealed that the obtained light intensity difference of each of the grown types increased as seeding rates increased significantly. As seeding rates increased from 15 to 30 and up to 45 kg/fed. Light intensity difference was increased with a respective 75831.88, 80663.17 and 82584.75lux. Whereas, the highest seeding rate was of about 9 % higher in light intensity difference as compared with the other two seeding rates (15.and 30kg /fed.).
- Results generally showed that the highest light intensity difference was obtained for the Brown type when planted at the highest seeding rate (45kg/fed). Meanwhile, the lowest light intensity difference was obtained from Dotted type, planted at the lowest seeding rate (15 kg/fed) with significant interaction differences.
- Number of shoots/m2
- Results from the combined analysis (over seeding rates), indicated significant differences in number of shoots /m2 between the studied fodder cowpea types. However, the Creamy type was of the highest number of shoots /m2 (91.7) then Dotted type (87.7) followed by Brown type (83.8 shoots/m2). Number of shoots/m2 could be ranked in the following descending order: Creamy, Dotted and Brown types produced 107.2, 91.4 and 87.4 shoots/m2, respectively with significant differences in the first season and with insignificant differences order for the second season.
- Combined analysis (over the grown types) revealed that the obtained number of shoots /m2 over the grown types increased as seeding rates increased significantly. As seeding rates increased from 15 to 30 and up to 45 kg/fed., number of shoots/m2 was substantially increased with a respective 53.3, 91.4 and 118.3 shoots/m2. Whereas, the highest seeding rate was of about 122 % higher in number of shoots /m2 as compared with the other two seeding rates (15 and 30kg /fed.).
- Results generally showed that the highest number of shoots/m2 was obtained for the Brown type when planted at the highest seeding rate (45kg/fed). Meanwhile, the lowest number of shoots/ m2 was obtained from Brown type when planted at the lowest seeding rates (15kg/fed).
- Chemical constituents
- Crude protein (CP) content
- Leaf-CP content was in the following descending order: Dotted (21.91%), Brown (20. 98%), then Creamy (20.14%) with significant differences, whereas, no significant differences were noticed in stems-CP contents.
- Increasing seeding rates from 15 to 30 and up to 45kg/fed caused substantial decrease in Leaf-CP content from 23.03 to 21.23 and down to 18.77%, being 10.13, 8.96 and 8.07% for stem-CP content.
- Results indicated significant interaction effect of Fodder cowpea types and plant population densities on CP content of leaves and stems, where the Dotted type planted at the lowest seeding rates (15 kg/fed) produced the highest leaf-CP content (25.26%) for the first cut, whereas, the same type produced the lowest CP content (16.76%), planted at highest seeding rates (45kg/fed.) for the second cut. Almost similar trend was noticed for stems with similar magnitudes, where the Creamy type produced the highest stem-CP content (11.23%) of the first cut, planted at the lowest seeding rates (15 kg/fed whereas, the same type produced the lowest CP content (7.0%), planted at highest seeding rates (45kg/fed.) for the second cut.
- Crude fiber (CF) content
- Creamy Fodder cowpea type was of the highest Leaf-CF content (28.15%), lower in Dotted type (27.73%) and the least in Brown type (25.71) with significant differences. Similar trend was noticed in the first season and the first cuts.
- Results showed that as plant population densities per fed. of Fodder cowpea types by increasing seeding rates from 15 to 30 and up to 45kg/fed, there was a respective continuous slight significant increase in Leaves & stems-CF to be 25.07, 26.83, 29.69% for leaves being 33.83, 40.35, 44.33% in stems.
- Results indicated significant interaction effect of Fodder cowpea types and plant population densities on CF content of leaves and stems, where the Dotted type planted at the highest seeding rates (45 kg/fed) produced the highest leaf-CF content (31.37%) of the second cut, whereas, the Brown type produced the lowest CF content (22.29%), planted at the lowest seeding rates (15kg/fed.) for the first cut. Almost similar trend was noticed for stems with similar magnitudes, where the Brown type produced the highest stem-CF content (46.33%) of the second cut, planted at the highest seeding rates (45 kg/fed). Whereas, Creamy type was of the lowest CF content (34.75%), planted at seeding rates of 15kg/fed. for the first cut.
- Ash content
- Leaves-ash contents for Fodder cowpea types was 13.33, 13.24 and 13.00% for Dotted type, Creamy type and Brown type respectively, being 11.50, 11.28 and 10.92% for the respective Brown, Dotted and Creamy types for their stem-ash content. It is also noticed the obtain leaf or ash-contents were fluctuated of no specific trend among seasons and cuts.
- Ash contents for either leaves or stems were more or less of narrow ranges without identified trend since the obtained values were fluctuated within ignorable ranges in most cases.
- Results indicated significant interaction effect of Fodder cowpea types and plant population densities on ash content of leaves and stems, where the Dotted type planted at the highest seeding rates produced the highest leaf-ash content (14.25%) of the second cut, whereas, the Creamy type produced the lowest ash content (12.42%), planted at the highest seeding rates for the second cut. Almost similar trend was noticed for stems with similar magnitudes, where the Brown type produced the highest stem-ash content (12.17%) of the second cut, planted at the medium seeding rates. Whereas, Creamy type produced the lowest ash content (10.0%), planted at the highest seeding rates for the first cut.
- Ether extract (EE) content
- The range of EE is very narrow and does not exceed appreciable value for response for any of the investigated factors under study or on its impact on EE for either leaves or stems for any of the studied Fodder cowpea types.
- Nitrogen free extract (NFE) content
- Fodder cowpea types were of significant differences in their leaf-NFE contents. Whereas, Brown types of the highest leaf-NFE. While, Creamy and Dotted types were of similar NFE contents. Such trend was noticed during the two growing seasons, but not during the cuts. However, the Creamy type was of the highest stem-NFE contents significantly, while, Dotted and Brown types were or almost similar in stem-NFE content. Such trend was recorded during the second season and the two cuts.
- Seeding rates did not show wide (33.26 -32.82%) significant differences in their Leaf-NFE contents, whereas, stems-NFE showed slight significance decrease as seeding rates increased from 15 to 30 up to 45kg/fed. where the respective Leaf-NEF was 37.87, 36.73 and 34.77%. such slight significant decrease in Leaf-NEF was noticed during the first and second growing seasons and for each of the obtained cuts. Whereas, in the second cuts differences did not reach the level of significant level.
- Results indicated significant interaction effect of Fodder cowpea types and plant population densities on ash content of leaves and stems, where the Creamy type planted at the highest seeding rates produced the highest leaf-NFE content for the first cut, whereas, the Brown type produced the lowest NFE content, planted at the lowest seeding rates for the second cut. Almost similar trend was noticed for stems with similar magnitudes, where the Creamy type produced the highest stem-NFE content of the first cut, planted at the medium seeding rates. Whereas, Brown type produced the lowest NFE content, planted at the highest seeding rates for the second cuts.
- Nutritive value
A-Total digestible nutrients (TDN) content
- Combined analysis showed that the Brown cowpea types have the highest TDN content in leaves (63.00%) and the lowest level in stems (47.06%). An opposite trend was noticed for Creamy type which have the highest level in stems (49.38%) and the lowest values of TDN in leaves (60.93%).
- The TDN of plants increased by increasing seeding rates of Fodder cowpea from 15 to 30 and up to 45 kg/fed, where the obtained TDN substantially decreased with significant differences.
- Results indicated significant interaction effect of Fodder cowpea types and plant population densities on TDN content of leaves and stems, where the Dotted type planted at the lowest seeding rates produced the highest leaf-TDN content of the first cut, whereas, the same type produced the lowest TDN content, planted at the highest seeding rates for the second cut. Almost similar trend was noticed for stems with similar magnitudes, where the Creamy type produced the highest stem-TDN content of the first cut, planted at the lowest seeding rates. Also, Brown type produced the lowest TDN content, planted at the highest seeding rates for the second cut.
- B-Digestible protein (DP) content
- Results showed more or less similar behaviour to CP content previously presented.
III-The third complementary study
Mixing the studied forage legumes with pearl millet
The target of this investigation is to study the potentiality response for each of the studied forage legumes (3 Bonavista bean types and 3 Fodder cowpea types) and pearl millet as a favorite fodder grass in their pure stands and relevant mixtures. Experiment included 13 treatments in 4 replications.
The ultimate target of these investigations is to introduce, evaluate and select among the best fit native indigenous legumes when mixed with pearl millet to enhance the interrelated benefits and advantages of the biological biodiversities of such mixtures, regarding forage behaviour and characteristics in respect of production and quality.
For this complementary study, investigations were devoted to compare the production and nutritive value of each of the studied six herbaceous forage legumes (3 Bonavista bean types and 3 Fodder cowpea types) in their monoculture as well as their potentialities if mixed with pearl millet as super selected fodder grass in 50:50 % ratio.
Such study was designed to find out the added values of mixing legumes and grasses on forage yield and quality of the tested native indigenous legumes in the first and second study.
The experimental design was layed out in a complete randomized block design type with four replicates in each of the two seasons. The pure and mixtures forages (previously mentioned) were distributed randomly in plots. Two individual cuts were obtained in each of the two growing seasons and their combined analysis. Results could be summarized as follows:
- Fresh forage yield
- White type of Bonavista bean was of significant superior production (20.45 ton/fed.) as compared with the other types under study, Whereas, the Brown and Black types produced almost similar fresh forage yield which was 17.85 and 17.45 ton/fed, respectively with significant increase of about 17 % than the other two types.
- Total forage yield from the combined analysis did not show significant differences within the three tested indigenous native F. Cowpea types in their pure stands.
- The combined analysis revealed that each of the 3 types of Bonavista bean was higher in total fresh forage yield as compared with any of Fodder cowpea types.
- It is recommended that either of the two mixtures Pearl millet (PM) + Brown Bonavista bean (BrB) and Pearl millet (PM) + White Bonavista bean (WB) were the best favorable combinations in total fresh forage biomass.
- Dry forage yield
- In pure stands, White type of Bonavista bean was of the highest significant dry forage production (3.01 ton/fed), whereas, Black and Brown Bonavista bean produced almost similar dry forage yield which was 2.70 and 2.55 ton /fed, respectively. So, the White type was of about 18% higher in dry forage yield as compared with the other two types (Black and Brown).
- Total dry yield (from the combined analysis) exerted significant differences within the three tested indigenous native fodder cowpea types in their pure stands.
- The overall comparisons in pure stands for all of the tested six types of indigenous native legumes, the combined analysis clarified that each of the White and Black types was higher in total dry yield as compared with any of the tested fodder cowpea types.
- It is recommended that mixtures Pearl millet (PM) + White Bonavista bean (WB) and Pearl millet (PM) + Brown Bonavista bean (BrB) were the best combinations regarding dry forage yield.
- Number of shoots / m2
- Regarding pure stands, White type of Bonavista bean was of the highest significant number of shoots/m2 (22.25 shoots/m2), whereas, Brown and Black types produced almost similar numbers of shoots/m2 which was 16.75 and 13.25 shoots/m2, respectively. So, the White type was of about 68% higher in number of shoots/m2 as compared with the other two types (Brown and Black).
- Number of shoots/m2 of Fodder cowpea types, (from the combined analysis) showed significant differences within the three tested indigenous native fodder cowpea types in their pure stands.
- The overall comparisons between each of the tested six types of indigenous native legumes in their pure stands, (combined analysis) showed that the Dotted type of Fodder cowpeas was the highest in number of shoots/m2 as compared with any of the tested forage legume types. These results confirm that more number of shoots/m2 of fodder cowpea types than B.bean types in general.
- It is recommended that either of the two mixtures Pearl millet (PM) +Dotted Fodder cowpea (DFC) and Pearl millet (PM) +Creamy Fodder cowpea (CFC) proved to be the best selected combinations regarding number of shoots/m2. Whereas, increasing number of legume shoots in mixtures caused an increase of the nutrition value (TDN and DP) which up graded forage quality.
- Chemical constituents
- Crude protein (CP) content
- Brown and white of Bonavista bean types produced almost similar crude protein (CP) content which was 21.05 and 20.62 %, respectively without significant differences in between. Whereas, Black type was of the lowest significant crude protein (CP) content (16.43 %), which was of about 28 % lower in CP content as compared with each to the other two Bonavista bean types.
- In comparison, crude protein (CP) content in pure Fodder cowpea types, (combined analysis) showed significant differences in this trait.
- Among the overall comparisons between all of the tested six types of indigenous native legumes, the combined analysis clarified that each of the Brown and White types of Bonavista bean was higher in crude protein (CP) content as compared with any of the tested fodder cowpea types
- Mixtures of Pearl millet (PM) +Dotted Fodder cowpea (DFC) and Pearl millet (PM) +Brown Fodder cowpea (BrFC) were of the best mixture combinations regarding CP content.
- Crude fiber (CF) content
- Brown type of Bonavista bean was of the highest significant crude fiber content (32.69%), whereas, White and Black Bonavista bean produced almost similar crude fiber content which was 29.25 and 30.50%, respectively. So, the Brown type was of about 12% higher in crude fiber content as compared with the other two types (White and Black).
- In Fodder cowpea types, crude fiber content (from the combined analysis) were of significant differences within the three tested types.
- Among the overall comparisons between all of the tested six types of indigenous native legumes, the combined analysis clarified that each of the Brown and Creamy types of fodder cowpea were higher in crude fiber content as compared with any of the tested Bonavista bean types.
- Mixtures of Pearl millet (PM) +Black Bonavista bean (BB) and Pearl millet (PM) +Creamy Fodder cowpea (CFC) were of the lowest combinations regarding crude fiber content.
- Ash content
- White type of Bonavista bean was of the highest significant ash content (12.50 %), whereas, Brown and Black Bonavista bean produced almost similar ash content which was 11.88 and 11.63 %, respectively. So, the White type was of about 8 % higher in ash content as compared with the other two types (Brown and Black).
- In comparing the ash content of pure stands of Fodder cowpea types, (combined analysis) exerted significant differences within each of the three tested F.cowpea types.
- The overall comparisons between all of the tested six types of native legumes, (combined analysis) clarified that each of the Creamy and Brown types of fodder cowpea was higher in ash content as compared with any of the tested Bonavista bean types.
- Mixtures of Pearl millet (PM) +Brown Fodder cowpea (BrFC) and Pearl millet (PM) +Black Bonavista bean (BB) were of the highest combinations regarding ash content.
- Ether extract (EE) content
- Brown type of Bonavista bean was of the highest significant content of ether extract (3.79 %); whereas, White and Black Bonavista bean produced similar ether extract content (3.65 %) for each of the two types.
- In comparing the ether extract content for pure stands of Fodder cowpea types, (combined analysis) showed significant differences within the three tested Fodder cowpea types.
- Regarding the overall comparisons between all of the tested six types in pure stands; (combined analysis) showed that each of the tested Fodder cowpea types was higher in ether extract content as compared with any of the tested Bonavista bean types.
- Mixtures of Pearl millet (PM) +Brown Bonavista bean (BrB) and Pearl millet (PM) +Brown Fodder cowpea (BrFC) were of the highest combinations regarding ether extract content.
- Nitrogen free extract (NFE) content
- Black type of Bonavista bean was of the highest significant nitrogen free extract (NFE)content (37.79 %), whereas, Brown and White types produced almost similar nitrogen free extract content which was 30.60 and 33.98 % respectively. So, the Black type was of about 23.5 % higher in nitrogen free extract content as compared with the other two types (Brown and White), where they exerted significant difference in between.
- In comparing the nitrogen free extract content in pure stands, Fodder cowpea types, (from combined analysis) exerted slight significant differences among the three tested F.cowpea types.
- Regarding the overall comparisons between all of the studied six types of native legumes, the combined analysis indicated that Black and White Bonavista bean types were higher in nitrogen free extract content as compared with any of the tested Fodder cowpea types.
- Mixtures of Pearl millet (PM) +White Bonavista bean (WB) and Pearl millet (PM) + Brown Bonavista bean (BrB) were of the best combinations regarding nitrogen free extract content.
- Nutritive value
A-Total digestible nutrients (TDN) content
- Regarding Bonavista bean, the White type was of the highest significant content of total digestible nutrients (60.30 %), which was of about 4 % higher in TDN content as compared with each to the other two Bonavista bean types (Brown & Black).
- Total digestible nutrients content in pure stands of Fodder cowpea types, (from combined analysis) were of significant differences within the three tested types.
- The overall comparisons between all of the tested six types of native legumes, (from combined analysis) showed that each of the White and Brown types of were higher in total digestible nutrients as compared with any of the other tested fodder cowpea types in their pure stands.
- Mixtures of Pearl millet + Brown Fodder cowpea and Pearl millet + Dotted Fodder cowpea were of the highest combinations regarding its TDN content.
B-Digestible protein (DP) content
- Brown and white of Bonavista bean types produced almost similar digestible protein (DP) content which was 16.77 and 16.35 %, respectively without significant differences in between. Whereas, Black type was of the lowest significant digestible protein (DP) content (12.30 %), which was of about 26.6 % lower in DP content as compared with each to the other two Bonavista bean types ( White and Brown).
- In comparison, digestible protein (DP) content in pure stands of Fodder cowpea types, (from combined analysis) were of significant differences within the three tested F.cowpea types.
- The overall comparisons between all of the tested six types of legumes, the combined analysis indicated that each of the Brown and White types of Bonavista bean was higher in digestible protein (DP) content as compared with any of the other tested fodder legumes.
- Mixtures of Pearl millet (PM) +Dotted Fodder cowpea (DFC) and Pearl millet (PM) +Brown Fodder cowpea (BrFC) were of the highest combinations regarding DP content.