GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND FORAGE NUTRIENT CONTENT OF MORINGA (MORINGA OLEIFERA LAM) PROVENANCES UNDER LUYENGO CONDITIONS, SWAZILAND CONDITIONS

Abstract

The incorporation of tree and shrub species in animal production systems is a viable alternative to improve the utilisation of land and at the same time improve the diet of livestock. Scarcity of animal feed resources, particularly during the dry season, is a major constraint to livestock production in Swaziland. Therefore, alternative feed resources need to be investigated. Moringa oleifera (Lam) leaves can be used as animal feed. Its growth performance and nutritive value has not been documented in the country. The objective of the study was to determine the growth performance and chemical composition of three provenances of Moringa. The three provenances evaluated were Mayiwane, Malawi and Binga in a completely randomised design with three replications. The Moringa was measured for growth performance for 12 weeks and harvested after 16 weeks for chemical analysis. The plant height for Mayiwane provenance ranged from 8.86 cm to 51.25 cm, Malawi provenance ranged from 6.61cm to 40.79 cm and Binga provenance ranged from 2.71cm to 40.79 cm. Root collar diameter for Mayiwane provenance ranged from 0.196 cm to 0.625 cm, Malawi provenance ranged from 0.144 cm to 0.526 cm and Binga provenance ranged from 0.065 cm to 0.531. The three provenances had significant (P<0.05) differences in the number of leaflets produced. Mayiwane provenance had leaflets ranging from 15 to 236, Malawi provenance from 9 to 213 and Binga provenance from 3 to 190. Chemical analysis of Moringa showed that there were no significant (P>0.05) differences in CP, CF, OM and ash content among the provenances. Mayiwane provenance had the highest DM value of 21.22% and was not significantly different (P > 0.05) from Binga provenance which was 20.72%. It is concluded that Mayiwane provenance can be utilised for its fast growth rate and its adaptability to Luyengo for large scale forage production.