Agronomic Performance and Nutritive Value of Six Dual-Purpose Cowpea Genotypes in Crop-Livestock Systems of Burkina Faso

Abstract

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is an important legume in Burkina Faso, used both for human consumption and as livestock fodder. The country faces major challenges such as fodder shortages. The objective of this study is to evaluate the agronomic performance, fodder biomass and grain yield, as well as the nutritional value of six dual-purpose cowpea genotypes grown in Burkina Faso. This study was conducted in Saria. The experimental design utilized a randomized Fisher's complement block with three replications to assess varieties including commercial types (KVx745-11P, Tilgré, Gourgou, Teek-Songo) and a novel multi-line genotype (BulkF4CS036xCS117-9b). Agronomic assessments included monitoring growth parameters and conducting bromatological analyses on leaf samples to ascertain dry matter, crude protein, and fiber content. Fodder biomass yields ranged from 1.74 to 4.67 t/ha, with Teek-Songo (4.64 t/ha) and KVx745-11P (4.43 t/ha) achieving the highest values. Grain yield also varied (P=0.001), with BulkF4CS036xCS117-9b (1.15 t/ha) showing the highest productivity. Nutritive value of fodder, the leaves had a high dry matter content (~93-94%) and elevated crude protein levels, particularly in the Dounguri koirey and Teek-Songo genotypes, exceeding 20%. The six genotypes studied showed good agronomic and nutritional value for forage production in Burkina Faso's livestock systems. Teek-Songo stood out for its favorable balance of biomass yield, and nutritional quality. The study confirms cowpea's potential as a protein-rich fodder source to improve ruminant performance.