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ORCID

0009-0006-4378-6535(Narina)

0000-0003-1002-4666 (Bhardwaj)

Document Type

Article

DOI

10.25778/9175-ER32

Abstract

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.), a major multifunctional food legume crop valued globally, contributes to food security by supplying protein-rich grain for human consumption and provides nutrient-rich biomass for livestock feeding across diverse production systems. However, little is known about its forage potential in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. In 2009 and 2010, four cultivars (GA-1, GA-2, W-1, and W-3) were evaluated in a split-plot design with three intra-row plant populations (2, 4, or 6 plants per 0.3 m row) and three planting dates (May, June, and July). Forage yield, crude protein, minerals, and other nutritional traits were assessed. In 2009, forage yield averaged 12,180 kg ha⁻¹ at 150 days after planting (DAP), with no significant differences among cultivars, planting dates, or populations. In 2010, higher yields at 89 DAP were obtained from GA-1 and GA-2 when planted on July 2 (>5795 kg ha⁻¹), and from W-1 when planted in May (>11,723 kg ha⁻¹) and June (9568 kg ha⁻¹). Average forage composition included acid detergent fiber (35.6%), neutral detergent fiber (41.4%), crude protein (18.5%), net energy (0.50 Mcal kg⁻¹), total digestible nutrients (61.9%), and fat (3.35%), values comparable to other legume forages. Elemental contents were Ca (0.80%), P (0.20%), Fe (120–130 ppm), and Zn (38–48 ppm). These results suggest that pigeonpea has potential as a forage crop in Virginia and surrounding mid-Atlantic areas. Further research is needed on the use of germplasm, byproduct feeding value, regrowth, and grazing potential to support adoption by livestock producers in this region.

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