Species information
Stylosanthes fruticosa is regarded as an excellent forage legume in regions of Africa that have a single dry season (Cook et al., 2005) and it is valued by nomadic pastoralists (Göhl, 1982). Its deep and strong taproot system makes it resistant to grazing (Hakiza et al., 1987). It is reported to have a relatively high DM digestibility (66%) and to allow a high DM intake (75 g/kg W0.75), indicating that the species could have reasonable potential for livestock production (Cook et al., 2005). Its crude protein content is in the 7-17% DM range (Feedipedia, 2013).
No study concerning the use of Stylosanthes fruticosa as the single fodder source has been done (2011). In a comparison between Stylosanthes fruticosa and six other Stylosanthes species (S. humilis, S. guianensis, S. scabra, S. subsericea, S. hamata and S. viscosa), the differences in quality between species at a given time were small compared to the overall seasonal effect on the distribution of DM and it was recommended to graze those species (except Stylosanthes subsericea and Stylosanthes guianensis) similarly (Gardener et al., 1982). In Zimbabwe, grazing cattle on a pasture (veld) seeded with a mixture of five different legumes, including Stylosanthes fruticosa, reported higher growth than on the non-reinforced veld (161 vs. 118 kg/head/year) (Clatworthy et al., 1986).