Effect of Lopping Interval on the Growth and Fodder Yield of Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala)
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Date
2020-09
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Abstract
Subabul is an important protein rich tree fodder which its lopping is extensively
used as cattle fodder. It is drought resistant tree, generally grown as border or
bund crop in farmers and its lopping is cut for green fodder for animals. For this
purpose tree fodder cultivating seems to be a promising strategy for livestock
farmers. A field experiment was conducted to find out the relative performance of
tree fodder growth at various stages of cutting and suitable lopping interval of
subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) during 2019-2020, at Institute of Animal
Nutrition, Kattupakkam, TANUVAS, Chennai. The experiment was conducted on
sandy loam soil laid out with Randomized Block Design with three replications.
There were six treatments viz., T1: lopping once in 2 months, T2: lopping once in 4
months, T3: lopping once in 6 months, T4: lopping once in 8 months, T5: lopping
once in 10 months and T6: lopping in 12 months. The results showed that lopping
at shorter time interval that is once in 2 months or 4 months resulted in more
number of branches (10.90 and 7.84), leaves (427.6 and 461.3) , leaf weight, leaf
branch ratio (1.42 and 1.09) and increased fodder yield (19.07 t-1 ha-1year-1 and
17.72 t-1 ha-1year-1). Further, early lopping resulted in succulent leaves and
branches which were highly suitable for the animals to consume.
Description
TNV-IJCMAS_2020_9(9)3552-3555
Keywords
Veterinary Science