Research on leucaena forage production in Malaysia
1983
Wong Choi Chee | Devendra, C. (Universiti Pertanian Malaysia, Selangor. Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI))
In Malaysia, where soils are generally acidic and highly saturated with aluminium, research at the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute indicates that rhizobial inoculation and lime-pelleting of Leucaena leucocephala seeds are essential for successful establishment and growth. Screening of leucaena cultivars tolerant to aluminium shows promising results. Other results of research at MARDI have been reviewed. Studies on mimosine content indicate that it is highest in the shoot tips, first expanded leaves, flowering heads, and young pods. In the foliage and stems, it declines with age and with increases in the time between leaf harvests. Annual dry-matter yields of between 13.5 t/ha and 21.9 t/ha have been recorded from some promising accessions. A 77-day growth study with goats fed leucaena forage and grass at ratios of 1:4, 1:1, and 4:1 showed a positive correlation between increasing leucaena and live weight gain, with the highest weight gain being recorded at 75% dietary leucaena. It was suggested that about 50% dietary leucaena level is suitable for goats. Grazing studies with leucaena-grass pastures have been promising, and daily live-weight gains of Sahiwal-Friesian heifers have averaged 443 g. The results, together, demonstrate and emphasize the potential value of leucaena forage for ruminants.
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