Authors:Fasae O.A., Adu I.F., Aina A.B.J., Elemo K.A.
Agricultura Tropica et Subtropical Vol. 42 (1) 2009
Abstract
Experiments were conducted in 2005 and 2006 cropping seasons in south west Nigeria to investigate the yield performance of cassava (Cultivar TMS 30572) as influenced by defoliation time and the chemical composition of the leaf obtained when harvested and stored as dry season forage for small ruminants. Five defoliation treatments of 0,4, 5, 6 and 7 months after planting were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Cassava yielded an average of 925 kg DMiha of leaves with a corresponding crude protein content of 20%. The cassava tuber yield was J J 966 kglha. Generally, cassava tuber yield was not influenced (P > 0.05) by defoliation but plants defoliated before 6 months after planting had reduced (P < 0.05) leaf yield. The fiber Factions, neutral
detergent fiber, acid detergent .fiber and acid detergent lignin contents as well as the hydrocyanic content of the leaves increased (P < 0.05) with increase in defoliation time. Storing cassava leaves beyond 3 months increased (P < 0.05) the DM content, while crude protein content declined (P < 0.05) with the length of storage. The study showed that with the variety under investigation, defoliation schedules for cassava which are appropriate/or quality forage production involve those made from 6 months after planting without significantly decreasing (P> 0.05) the crop tuber yield. Storing cassava leaves for 3 months produced leaves of high nutritive value therebv allowing a continuous supply of feed for smallholder small ruminant production during the dry season.