Pigeon pea variety improves animal nutrition and reduces costs

Researchers from Embrapa Goats and Sheep (CE) have completed a study that assessed the adaptability of pigeon pea cultivars to the Brazilian semiarid region. The goal was to find a variety that would provide greater savings in feeding goats, sheep and cattle. The research indicated that the commercial cultivar Super N was the most suitable for the region, with an average productivity of 6.2 thousand kilos per hectare (kg/ha) of forage dry matter. The research, conducted over three years, was conducted in experimental areas in Sobral (CE), Boa Viagem (CE) and Sumé (PB). The scientists analyzed 21 genotypes, four commercial cultivars and 17 experimental ones. The evaluation considered flowering days, plant height and grain yield, essential factors for choosing the most stable variety for the climatic conditions of the semiarid region. The results showed that all genotypes evaluated had dry matter yields between 4.6 thousand and 9 thousand kg/ha. The Super N cultivar stood out for ...