A comparison of the nutritional value of Stylosanthes humilis, Stylosanthes guyanensis, and introduced grasses in northern Australia

Abstract

In pen-feeding trials with sheep the nutritional value of the legumes Stylosanthes humilis H.B.K. and Stylosanthes guyanensis, at an advanced stage of maturity, was superior to the grass Brachiaria mutica (Forsk.) Stapf. at the same growth stage. Both these legumes should provide at least maintenance requirements for cattle during the north Australian dry season. A legume-grass mixture, Stylosanthes humilis-Pennisetum polystacayon, provided comparable nutritive values to those obtained for the pure legumes. At the stage of maturity studied Stylosanthes guyanensis appeared superior nutritionally to Stylosanthes humilis.