Evaluation of the potential of the naturally growing Leptocarpus disjunctus Mast. in Central Vietnam as feed for ruminants

Abstract

Leptocarpus disjunctus Mast., is a species of grass that grows naturally in the sandy coastal areas of central Vietnam. This species has strong vitality, growing singly in clumps or growing together, covering the surface of the sand. Adaptability and ability to withstand flooding and drought are very high. The study aimed to evaluate the potential of naturally growing L. disjunctus as food for ruminants through the assessment criteria of the highest plant height, canopy height, green matter yield, dry matter yield, protein yield, and chemical composition. The experiment was conducted in the sandy soils of Le Thuy District, Quang Binh Province, and Quang Thai District, Thua Thien Hue Province. At each location, five plots were selected to implement experiments and conducted over two seasons, dry season and rainy season. The highest plant height ranged from 102.58 - 104.82cm, and canopy height ranged from 80.26 - 81.57cm. Green matter yield, dry matter yield, and protein yield were from 10.3 - 12.4 tons/ha/batch, 4.1 - 4.8 tons/ha/batch, and 0.6 - 0.7 tons/ha/batch, respectively. Chemical composition including dry matter (DM) 43.55%, CP 5.70%, EE 1.72%, CF 43.23%, ADF 43.64%, NDF 69.09%, and total minerals 2.14%, calculated as a percent of DM. In conclusion, the results showed that L. disjunctus growing naturally in poor sandy soils and harsh weather in Quang Binh and Thua Thien Hue provinces could be used as food for ruminants.