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Hedge lucerne (Velimasal)

Hedge lucerne (Desmanthus virgatus) is a perennial leguminous fodder shrub, known as velimasal in Tamil and Telugu. It is a protein-rich companion to grass fodders such as Napier and maize, supplying the protein needed in a balanced dairy or small-ruminant ration without the toxicity risk of subabul (Leucaena).

Key characteristics

  • Species: Desmanthus virgatus, family Fabaceae.
  • Growth habit: erect, much-branched shrub reaching 1.5-3 m, palatable leaves and soft stems.
  • Crude protein: approximately 22% on dry-matter basis.
  • Mineral profile: rich in calcium and trace minerals.
  • Toxicity: free of mimosine, the alkaloid that limits subabul use in ruminants.
  • Stand life: 3-4 years.

Cultivation

Velimasal is established from seed scarified by hot-water dip and sown at 6-8 kg/ha on ridges or as a hedge alongside Napier and maize plots. After two to three months, the canopy closes and the first cut is taken at about 1 m height. Subsequent cuts follow every 45-60 days at 30-40 cm above ground. Under good rainfall or supplemental irrigation, 4-7 cuts per year deliver about 125 t/ha of green fodder. The crop fixes atmospheric nitrogen and adds to the nitrogen balance of intercropped grasses. Annual side dressing of phosphorus and potassium and a clean weeding after each cut sustain stand vigour.

Pest and disease profile

Hedge lucerne is relatively hardy. Leaf-feeding caterpillars and aphids appear sporadically but rarely justify chemical control on a fodder crop. Root-rot in heavy waterlogged soils is the principal failure mode, addressed by raised-bed planting and improved drainage.

Adoption and use

The crop is widely grown in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and parts of Karnataka by dairy farmers running crossbred-cattle (Holstein Friesian Crossbred Cow) and Murrah-buffalo (Murrah Buffalo) units, and by small-ruminant farmers with Osmanabadi Goat and Nellore Sheep flocks. Daily intake is typically 5-10 kg of fresh material per adult dairy animal, fed chopped together with hybrid Napier (Bullet Napier And Hybrids), super-Napier (Super Napier Fodder) or maize fodder (Maize Fodder). Including velimasal in the green-fodder mix reduces the protein requirement of the concentrate ration (Concentrate Feed Mix Dairy) and helps stabilise milk-fat percentage. TNAU and KVK Namakkal promote velimasal as a core element of integrated fodder systems alongside Stylosanthes and other tropical legumes.

See also: Concentrate Feed Mix Dairy.

References

  1. Hedge lucerne (Desmanthus virgatus). Feedipedia.
  2. Forage Crops — Velimasal. TNAU Agritech Portal.