Yield, nutritive value and in-vitro digestibility of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) varities intented for feed production, in Tigray, Ethiopia

Kibrom Esak, Assen Ebrahim, Tesfay Atsbha Hailu

Abstract


Background: Cowpea is known for its adaptability to lowland and moisture-stressed environments, but its potential for fodder production in high and mid-altitude areas, particularly in Ethiopia and Tigray, remains underexplored. Objective. To evaluate the agronomic performances and nutritional value of six  cowpea varieties in the southeastern and eastern zones of Tigray, Ethiopia representing mid and high altitudes, respectively. Methodology. The experiment was laid-out in a factorial arrangement of two locations (mid and high altitudes) and six cowpea varieties (Sewunet, Black-eyed bean, Kenkety, Temesgen (standard check), Bekur and Bole) in a randomized complete block design with three replication. Results. Both fresh biomass (FB) and dry matter (DM) yields (ton/ha) were affected (p<0.05) by variety, location, and their interactions. Cowpea varieties grown at high altitude site required a significantly longer time (p<0.05) to reach 50% flowering (78.6 days) and maturity (110.3 days) compared to those grown at midland altitude. There were variation (p<0.05) in thousand-seeds weight (kg), number of seeds per pod (NSPP), and number of pods per plant (NPPP) between the two test locations. Temesgen required a longer time (p<0.05) to reach flowering and maturity, but it produced higher (p<0.05) dry matter yield (DMY) (5.8 tons/ha), number of branches per plant (NBPP), number of leaves per plant (NLPP), and plant height (PH) compared to other varieties. The interaction between variety and location had affected (p<0.05) the ash content, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and in-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). Implications. The study provides essential data on cowpea’s potential for fodder production in previously under-researched areas, which could lead to increased adoption of cowpea as a dual-purpose crop for both grain and fodder, benefiting livestock systems. Conclusion. This study identified cowpea varieties, especially Temesgen that can be highly productive and nutritionally valuable in mid and high altitudes, helping to widen the feed resource base and address the shortage of quality feed in the region.

Keywords


Agronomic perormance;Cowpea; Nutritive value;Yield

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References


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URN: http://www.revista.ccba.uady.mx/urn:ISSN:1870-0462-tsaes.v28i3.57534

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.56369/tsaes.5753

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