Tree Fodder
Leucaena leucocephala (Subabul)
It is native to Central and South America. Plant can be grazed directly and is quite resistant to heavy frequent defoliation. It is a high protein fodder. Due to the presence of mimosin, quantity fed should not exceed 1/4 of total dry matter fed.
Sesbania sp. (Agathi)
Commonly grown in Tamil Nadu, give yield upto 100 MT/ha/yr. Leaves are used for human consumption also.
Glyricidia maculata (Seemakonna)
Maculata species is the one used for animal feeding. Can yield upto 150-250 kg/tree a year when the tree is 3 years old.
Desmanthus sp. (shrub)
Soft leafed, it can be used as mixed crop with hybrid napier.
The general habit, yield, other characters, etc. of forage grasses, legumes and cereals suitable for Kerala conditions
| Name | Common | Seed rate Kg/ha |
Rainfall (mm) |
Soil Preference |
Season | Fertilizer | Yield TDM/ha |
Green Tons/ha |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andropogon gayanus | Gamba |
6-8
|
500
|
Laterite/clay
|
May-August
|
P/K 40:40 N-30 after each cut
|
12-16
|
60-80
|
| Brachiaria decumbens | Signal grass |
8-10
|
1000
|
Versatile
|
-do-
|
-do-
|
16-20
|
80-100
|
| Brachiaria mutica | Para grass |
By slips 40,000/ha
|
1250
|
Versatile, good on heavy types
|
-do-
|
-do-
|
12-16
|
60-80
|
| Brachiaria ruziziensis | Congo signal |
8-10
|
1500
|
Versatile
|
-do-
|
-do-
|
18-20
|
90-100
|
| Cenchrus ciliaris | Buffel |
3-4
|
300
|
Light medium textured
|
-do-
|
N-60 after each cut
|
12-14
|
60-70
|
| Melinis minutiflora | Molasses |
4-6
|
1000
|
Versatile
|
-do-
|
|
10-12
|
50-60
|
| Panicum maximum | Guinea |
4-7
|
750
|
Versatile
|
-do-
|
|
16-18
|
80-90
|
| Pennisetum typhoides X P. purpureum | Hybrid Napier |
40,000 cuttings
|
750
|
Versatile
|
-do-
|
|
35-40
|
200-250
|
| Setaria anceps | Setaria |
3-5
|
750
|
Versatile
|
-do-
|
|
16-20
|
80-100
|
| Calapagonium muconoides | Calapo |
3-5
|
1200
|
Versatile
|
May-July
|
60kgP 40kgK
|
4-5
|
20-25
|
| Centrosema pubescens | Centro |
3-5
|
1200
|
Versatile
|
-do-
|
60kgP 40kgK
|
5-6
|
25-30
|
| Desmodium intortum | Desmodium |
3-5
|
900
|
Versatile
|
-do-
|
60kgP
|
5-6
|
25-30
|
| Desmodium uncinatum | Desmodium |
3-5
|
900
|
Versatile
|
-do-
|
60kgP 40kgK
|
5-6
|
25-30
|
| Lab lab purpureus | Lablab |
20-25
|
600
|
Versatile
|
Aug 1st week
|
PK 60:30
|
7-8
|
35-40
|
| Macroptilium atropurpureum | Siratro |
3-5
|
600
|
Versatile
|
May
|
PK 60:30
|
4-5
|
20-25
|
| Macroptilium lathyroydes | Phasey bean |
3-5
|
750
|
Versatile
|
August
|
PK 60:30
|
7-8
|
35-40
|
| Stylosanthes guianensis | Stylo |
7-8
|
800
|
Versatile
|
May
|
60:30
|
7-8
|
35-40
|
| Stylosanthes hamata | Caribban |
7-8
|
600
|
Well drained
|
May
|
60:30
|
9-10
|
45-50
|
| Stylosanthes sceabra | Schrubby stylo |
7-8
|
450
|
Versatile
|
May
|
60:30
|
9-10
|
45-200
|
| Vigna sinensis | Cowpea |
25-30
|
1000
|
Versatile
|
May
|
60-40
|
5-6
|
25-30
|
| Zea mays | Maize |
25-30
|
3000
|
Versatile
|
May
|
30:60:40
|
9-10
|
45-50
|
| Euchloena mexicana | Teosinte |
20-25
|
3000
|
Versatile
|
May
|
30:60:40
|
7-8
|
35-40
|
| Leucaena leucocethala | Subabul |
4-5
|
500
|
Versatile
|
May
|
PK 60:40
|
8-10
|
40-50
|
(Source: Kerala Agricultural University)