This study was conducted to evaluate the potentialities of three fodder cowpea types (Vigna sinensis, L.) which were: Creamy (CFC), Brown (BFC) and Dotted (DFC) of seed coat colors mixed with three fodder grasses which were: pearl millet (PM), sudan grass (SG) and sorghum sudan grass (SSG). Two field experiments were carried out at the Experimental Research Station, Faculty of Agriculture, Moshtohor, Benha University, Kalubia Governorate, Egypt, during two summer growing seasons (2011 and 2012). Experiments were designed and implemented to evaluate growth behavior, forage yield and quality. Results could be concluded as follows: Results indicated significant differences in total fresh and dry forage yields for each of the studied forage crops. Highest fresh and dry forage yields were obtained for pearl millet, while, the lowest values were obtained for Creamy F. cowpea with various significant differences values. The highest values of leaf : stem ratio and the lowest crude fiber (CF) content were obtained for Creamy F. cowpea type. Meanwhile, Brown F. cowpea had the highest crude protein (CP) content. Sorghum sudan grass gave the tallest plants as compared with the other tested forages with significant differences. Regarding the relevant mixtures, the highest values for mixtures of fresh and dry forage yields, plant height and crude protein, leaf : stem ratio and the lowest crude fiber content were recorded for SG + CFC, SG + DFC, SG + BFC, PM+CFC mixtures, respectively, with significant differences as compared with the other tested mixtures. |
