Desmodium spp.

It is a woody leguminous plant and has many species. Desmodium capitatum, D. ovalifolium and D. gyroides are common species in India. D. gyroides grows to a height of 1-2.5 m and cattle browse the leaves. It is rich in protein.

Nutritive value

In  contrast  to  the  remarkable agronomic  performance of  D. ovalifolium  in  high  rainfall areas, the nutritive  value of the species falls behind other tropical pasture legumes such as Centrosema spp. or Arachis pintoi.  In vitro  dry matter digestibility  value ranges from 29-56%, which is below the mean value for tropical legumes (56%). Crude protein contents ranges from  12-20%, phosphorus and calcium concentrations from  0.10-0.16% and 0.27- 0.57%, respectively. Fibre contents (acid and neutral detergent fibre) are in the range of 40-50% in D. Ovalifolium.

Deleterious factor

This is mainly attributed  to  the high condensed tannin (CT) content of the legume with subsequently reduced in vitro digestibility (IVDMD), low palatability and animal intake. Data on CT contents of D. ovalifolium, however, are limited. The CT content is ranged from 19- 43%. Leaf tissue analysis revealed CT contents, which varies within and between seasons (16-25%).