Vol. 11, Special Issue 10 (2022)

The main moto of this research was to find out the biomass yield, chemical composition and gas production of five commonly used leguminous fodders i.e. Medicago sativa (Lucerne), Sesbania grandiflora, Moringa oleifera, Macroptilium atropurpureum (Siratro) and Stylosanthes hamata. These fodders were grown in veterinary college Hebbel, Bengaluru, Karnataka. The grown fodders samples were collected and analyzed for DM (Dry Matter), CP (Crude Protein), Ash, EE (Ether extract), NDF (Neutral Detergent Fibre), ADF (Acid Detergent Fibre), ME (Metabolizable energy) and protein yield as well as biomass yield was analyzed. In this study biomass yield of Medicago sativa (Lucerne), Sesbania grandiflora, Moringa oleifera, Macroptilium atropurpureum (Siratro) and Stylosanthes hamata were 115.15, 299.62, 290.04, 78.37 and 76.34 t/ha/yr respectively. Proximate Principles for various leguminous fodders were analyzed and Stylosanthes hamata showed highest organic matter NDF and ADF (92.72±0.03, 54.42±0.39 and 41.57 respectfully). Sesbania grand flora had highest dry matter and Crude protein content i.e. 23.65±2.43 and 93.90±0.26 respectively. Whereas Moringa oleifera showed highest Ether extract content (4.63%). Macroptilium atropurpureum (Siratro) showed significant effect (p>0.005) in Honhenhiem gas test (47.36±2.32ml/hr). Highest Metabolizable energy and crude protein yield content was observed with Macroptilium atropurpureum (Siratro) and Sesbania grandiflora (9.58 MJ/kg and 15.52 t/ha/yr) respectively.