Identification and measurement of quality of forages grown in saline lands in southern province of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Main objective of the present study was to identify pasture/ forage varieties grown in saline wetland grassland soils in the southern coastal region of Sri Lanka. The selected sites were Kalutara, Ambalangoda, Matara, Tangalle and Bundala. Nutritive quality of forage varieties (Proximate composition and Ca, Mg, K and Fe) was also measured so that suitable pasture/ forage varieties for dairy animals could be selected. Naturally grown forage species of selected sites were collected and identified. Salinity measurements observed for Kalutara, Ambalangoda, Matara, Bundala and Tangalle were 0.1 to 0.8,2 to 6.6,0.8 to 2,6.2 to 16.6 and 4.1 to 5.1 mS/cm respectively. Twenty five forage species were selected according to the species richness. Some of the abundant forages were Clitoria laurifolia, Cynadon dactylon(\arge leaves), Cynadon dactylon(n&rrow leaves), Cyperus melanospermus, Desmodium heterocarpon, Desmodium heterophllum, Elecoharis caribaea, Fimbristulits dichotoma, Oryza rufipogon, Panicum repens, Paspalum gerninatum, Paspalum cummersonii , Typha javanica and Sacciolepis interrupta. According to proximate composition of forages, Desmodium heterocarpon had the highest crude protein content (16.8%) whereas the lowest value of 2.80% was found in Cynadon dactylon (large leaves). Ether extract was low in all tested forages. However, mineral content of forages were with in the normal range for forages. According to the results, Desmodium, Clitoria laurifolia and Paspalidium germinatum could be selected as suitable forages for ruminants. However, further studies on dry matter yield and palatability are being needed before making a firm recommendation.