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Growth Stage–Dependent Variations in Nutrient Composition and In vitro Rumen Fermentation Characteristics of Underutilized Fabaceae Legumes
Abstract
Conventional legumes like soybean and cowpea are costly and often reserved for humans, highlighting the need for affordable, underutilized forage legumes for ruminant feeding. A comparative study, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with plots treated as blocks to account for soil variability, was conducted to evaluate the nutritive composition and in vitro fermentative characteristics of five underutilized Fabaceae forages; four cultivars of Mucuna pruriens (Tropical, Cream, Bush, and Black) and Canavalia ensiformis, harvested at four phenological stages (weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16). Proximate and fibre analyses were performed alongside in vitro gas production and degradation kinetics to assess their degradability potential for ruminant feeding. Statistical analyses were performed using the GLM procedure in Minitab Statistical Software at p < 0.05 using Tukey’s test. Results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and fibre fractions (NDF, ADF) among the cultivars and growth stages. The CP peaked between weeks 8–12, followed by a decline at week 16, corresponding with an increase in NDF and ADF, suggesting a shift from soluble to structural carbohydrate dominance. Nitrogen-free extract (NFE) increased at mid-maturity, reflecting enhanced soluble carbohydrate
availability. In vitro gas production mirrored chemical composition, rising from week 4 to a maximum at week 8–12 before declining at week 16. Tropical and Cream Mucuna cultivars consistently exhibited superior fermentability, while C. ensiformis displayed lower gas yields and degradability constants. The degradation kinetic parameters (b and c) confirmed that mid-maturity forages (week 8–12) provided optimal fermentative efficiency. Overall, early-to-mid harvests offered the best balance between nutrient density and fermentability, while late-matured forages were more fibrous and suited to maintenance diets. These findings highlight the potential of Mucuna pruriens cultivars and Canavalia ensiformis as sustainable, protein-rich forage options for tropical ruminant systems, but further in vivo studies are needed to confirm their efficacy in ruminant diets.
