Relative palatability and seasonal agronomic performance of selected pasture legumes for species mixtures in dry-subhumid West Africa

Relative palatability and some agronomic traits were studied for nine legum es including Aeschynomene histrix, Centrosema brasilianum (two accessions), Centrosema pascuorum, Chamaecrista rotundifolia, Stylosanthes guianensis ( two accessions) and Stylosanthes hamata (two accessions). All species were consumed by cattle but the relative palatability varied according to season . Only the two S. guianensis accessions were positively selected throughout the year. A positive relationship was established between the ability to r etain green leaves in the dry season and palatability. Once established, th e two C. brasilianum accessions out-performed the other legumes in their ab ility to stay green and retain leaves in the dry season; related to the abi lity to retain green leaves under drought conditions, C. brasilianum ILRI 1 55 was among the most palatable legumes in the dry season. S. guianensis ac cessions had the highest dry matter (DM) yields and one of them (ILRI 15557 ) had the highest nutritive value. In contrast with earlier results in the same environment, C. rotundifolia and A. histrix performed poorly in terms of DM productivity. The implications of the agronomic characteristics of th e legumes for the management of legume-based pastures in crop/livestock sys tems are discussed and the concept of legume-legume mixtures, composed of s everal compatible species, is advocated.