Evaluation of Stylosanthes Germplasm for Chemical Constituents and In Vitro Nutrients Digestibility

Twenty two genotypes of Stylosanthes collected from its germplasm were evaluated for chemical composition and in vitro nutrients digestibility. Mean CP content of the germplasm was 14.75 per cent with 5 units variability in the IL 97–374 and IL 97–331 genotypes. Fiber fractioas (NDF, ADF, cellulose and hemicellulose) varied significantly (p<0.05) amongst the evaluated lines. The average concentration of these ceil wall fractions in germplasm was 59.02, 46.12, 37.41 and 12.90 per cent, respectively. Lignin concentration varied from 5.63 to 11.68 per cent in the different genotypes. Germplasm revealed large variability in the ash contents (1.24–1 3.51). In the germplasm collection mean concentration of total phenolics, condensed tannins and soluble sugars was 0.202, 0.788 and 0.685 per cent, respectively. In vitro digestibility of nutrients (DM, OM and CP) differed significantly (p<0.05) amongst different lines, while the average digestibility of these nutrients was 70.90,69.23 and 88.12 per cent, respectively. IL 97–450, 483 and 374 were rich in protein, moderate in fiber contents and better in nutrients digestibility.