FASAE O.A., ADU I.F., AINA A.B.J., ELEMO K.A.
Abstract
Experiments were conducted in 2005 and 2006 cropping seasons in south west Nigeria to investigate the yield performance
of cassava (Cultivar TMS 30572) as influenced by defoliation time and the chemical composition of the leaf obtained when
harvested and stored as dry season forage for small ruminants. Five defoliation treatments of 0, 4, 5, 6 and 7 months
after planting were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Cassava yielded an average of
925 kg DM/ha of leaves with a corresponding crude protein content of 20%. The cassava tuber yield was 11 966 kg/ha.
Generally, cassava tuber yield was not influenced (P > 0.05) by defoliation but plants defoliated before 6 months after
planting had reduced (P < 0.05) leaf yield. The fiber fractions, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and acid
detergent lignin contents as well as the hydrocyanic content of the leaves increased (P < 0.05) with increase in defoliation
time. Storing cassava leaves beyond 3 months increased (P < 0.05) the DM content, while crude protein content declined (P < 0.05)
with the length of storage. The study showed that with the variety under investigation, defoliation schedules for cassava
which are appropriate for quality forage production involve those made from 6 months after planting without significantly
decreasing (P > 0.05) the crop tuber yield. Storing cassava leaves for 3 months produced leaves of high nutritive value
thereby allowing a continuous supply of feed for smallholder small ruminant production during the dry season.
Key words:
forage, cassava, defoliation, storage, small ruminant; South west Nigeria