Academic literature on the topic 'Cowpea – Nutrition'

A total of 880 questionnaires were completed and analysed to ascertain the perception of mothers as to the problems encountered by children consuming cowpeas. Over 90% of all mothers surveyed reported no problems attributable to the feeding of cowpeas. However, 9.9% (87) of the mothers reported that their children had problems after the consumption of cowpea foods. Of all the mothers, 101 introduced cowpea foods for the first time at an age below six months, 470 between six and twelve months, 278 between one and two years, and 31 above two years. Of the 87 mothers reporting discomfort in their children, about 74.7 % (65) mentioned diarrhoea, 3.4% vomiting, 5.7% offensive stool, 1.2% abdominal pain, 6.9% bad breath, abdominal distension, and gas, and 1.2% both vomiting and diarrhoea. Only 18.4% of mothers of the affected children indicated that one or more of their children had stopped eating cowpeas. Problems with the consumption of cowpeas were reported to disappear later in life

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is a neglected crop native to Africa, with an outstanding potential to contribute to the major challenges in food and nutrition security, as well as in agricultural sustainability. Two major issues regarding cowpea research have been highlighted in recent years—the establishment of core collections and the characterization of landraces—as crucial to the implementation of environmentally resilient and nutrition-sensitive production systems. In this work, we have collected, mapped, and characterized the morphological attributes of 61 cowpea genotypes, from 10 landraces spanning across six agro-ecological zones and three provinces in Mozambique. Our results reveal that local landraces retain a high level of morphological diversity without a specific geographical pattern, suggesting the existence of gene flow. Nevertheless, accessions from one landrace, i.e., Maringué, seem to be the most promising in terms of yield and nutrition-related parameters, and could therefore be integrated into the ongoing conservation and breeding efforts in the region towards the production of elite varieties of cowpea.

Cowpea is traditionally important as an affordable source of protein and minerals and of cash income in sub-Saharan Africa, especially for small-scale farmers who have limited options for food and cash crops. The development and deployment of cowpea varieties with improved nutrition and quality that meet the needs of farmers and consumers should enhance cowpea consumption and production in the region. We have identified genetic diversity in various grain quality-related traits of cowpea and relationships among the traits. Wide genetic variation and strong correlations among crude protein, Fe and Zn contents suggest the possibility of improving the concentrations of these nutritional factors simultaneously. Low associations among physical and nutritional properties of grain indicate the possibility of introgressing favorable traits utilizing identified genetic resources. However, narrow variation in amino acid (AA) composition suggests a lesser possibility of improving the contents of specific AAs in cowpea, but it gave a reliable nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor of 5.45 for the estimation of crude protein content. Several improved breeding lines were identified with low concentrations of flatulence-causing oligosaccharides and various favorable agronomic traits and nutrient contents. TVu-12802 had the highest contents of crude protein and high contents of micronutrients, with a low ratio of phytic acid to Fe and Zn contents.

In rural Ethiopia, people consume mainly cereals and pulses. Integrating vegetables into the multi-storey cropping system of the Yayu Coffee Forest Biosphere Reserve could improve nutritional health while reducing pressure on natural habitats in the biodiversity hotspot. The aim of the study was to assess the performance of cowpea under shade and its consumer acceptance as leafy vegetables. Trials compared continuous harvesting with uprooting, and food preference was tested. A baseline survey was conducted in four villages and revealed that cropping of vegetables in coffee plantations would be adoptable by 17% of farmers. The cumulatively harvested mean leaf yield (18.15 t ha−1) was significantly higher than the leaf yield of the uprooted cowpea (6.56 t ha−1). As many as 41% (52%) of participants liked cowpea dishes (very much). Based on the trial yields and the RDA, a 25 m2 cowpea plot could produce sufficient vitamin A for 2.1–4.6 adults, iron for 0.8–1.7, and vitamin C for 1.3–2.9 adults during six months. Cowpea was successfully cultivated below coffee, yielded most when repeatedly harvested and showed a high acceptance among consumers. The consumption of cowpea leaves from coffee forests could contribute to a balanced diet and improved nutrition.

1. Sixty-four subjects from the rural areas of Ibadan participated in a study to determine the contribution of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) foods to the total intake of nutrients in a mixed diet. The subjects were randomly selected from those who, according to their mothers, reacted to cowpea foods (reactors) and those who did not (non-reactors).2. The results showed that for all subjects, protein, energy and riboflavin needs were not met from the total diet consumed. However, the requirements for vitamin A, thiamin and iron were met.3. Between 30 months and 3 years of age, cowpeas contributed 36.2 and 30.3 % of protein intake for nonreactors and reactors respectively. Corresponding values for energy intake were 17.3 and 17.2 % respectively. Lower percentages were contributed by the diets of 4- to 6-year-olds.4. Irrespective of the classification system used, some of the subjects were found to be suffering from mild to moderate malnutrition, with a few severe cases.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of boron (B) omission on cowpea nutrition and to compare the impact of foliar B fertilization with and without sorbitol on cowpea growth, nutritional status, and B uptake. Two trials using a completely randomized experimental design were conducted. During the first experiment, nutrient solution was provided without B (−B) and with B (+B) in 10 replicates. During the second experiment, a 5 × 2 factorial treatment scheme was used. Five B concentrations (0, 1.25, 2.5, 3.75, and 5.0 g·L−1) were administered foliarly in the form of boric acid with or without sorbitol (500 mmol·L−1) in four replicates. B omission symptoms, root growth, plant organ dry mass and B content, and grain yield were evaluated. B omission induced greater losses in reproductive organ and root growth than in leaf and stem production. It also caused deformation of the middle lamella and accumulation of starch in the chloroplasts. Foliar applications of 2.6 to 2.9 g·L−1 B improved cowpea production. The addition of sorbitol did not enhance plant growth. However, it increased B absorption in the vegetative parts of the plant but did not enhance seed production.

Cowpea is a well-known nutrition rich African leafy vegetable that has potential to sustain food and nutrition insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa. Consumption of cowpea legumes is associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the (i) variation in phenolic metabolites in seven cowpea cultivars (VOP1, VOP2, VOP3, VOP4, VOP5, VOP7, and VOP8 using UHPLC coupled with high resolution Q-TOF-MS technique, (ii) in vitro antioxidant activity using ferric reducing/antioxidant capacity (FRAP) assay (iii) in vitro anti-diabetic effects and (iv) composition of carotenoids and amino acids of theses cowpea cultivars. The results of this study demonstrated that gentisic acid 5-O-glucoside, quercetin 3-(2G-xylosylrutinoside) and Quercetin 3-glucosyl-(1->2)-galactoside were highest in VOP1 VOP4 and VOP5, respectively. High inhibition (>50%) of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities was shown by the leaf extracts (50 and 25 mg/mL) of VOP1 and VOP4. Cowpea cultivars VOP1 and VOP4 demonstrated the highest gene expression levels of regulation of glucose transporter GLUT4 in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells, similar to insulin. A positive correlation exited between the phenolic components and the inhibitory effect of antidiabetic enzymes and FRAP activity. Cytotoxic effect was not detected in vitro in any cowpea cultivar. Lutein (124.6 mg/100 g) and all-trans-beta-carotene (92.6 mg/100 g) levels were highest in VOP2 and VOP1, respectively. Cowpea cultivars VOP3 and VOP4 showed potential to fulfil the daily requirements of essential amino acids. Thus, based on this information, cowpea (leaves) genotypes/cultivars can be selected and propagated for the further development of supplementary foods or functional food ingredients.

AbstractAttaining adequate child nutrition requires prompt access to relevant nutrition information. Present information reveals that the nutrition status of children younger than five years is threatened. In this study we sought to assess under-five nutritional status among farming households in Oyo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to sample a total of 146 mothers as respondents. Data were collected using interview schedule and were analysed using percentage, mean, Chi-square and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Most respondents were married (89.9%), currently working (93.2%) and had an average age, household size and monthly income of x¯ = 34.61, x¯ = 6 and ₦11,530, respectively. The respondents were mostly aware that cowpea is a major source of protein (x¯ = 0.99) and appropriate immunization of children is essential in aiding nutrition (x¯ = 0.99). They mostly sourced information on child nutrition from radio (x¯ = 0.87) and family and friends (x¯ = 0.87). Child nutritional status was high (59.6%). A significant relationship exists between educational attainment (χ2 = 10.781, P = 0.029), occupational status of the respondents (χ2 = 8.553, P = 0.014), awareness of adequate nutrition (r = 0.166, P = 0.044), source of information (r = 0.137, P = 0.010) and the child nutrition status. Improvements in nutrition campaign using available medical outlets and radio are advocated.

In India, 69% death of below the age of 5 years children is caused by malnutrition. This age group of children same effect every second child through the malnutrition according to UNICEF, 2019. Malnutrition is a condition where the body is deprived of minimum daily nourishment. India is ranked second in having malnourished children. Cookies are one of the most popular snacks and most popular worldwide. It can be fortified with various nutrients. Grain legumes play an important role in human nutrition; these can be used as a very easy vehicle for providing the proteins needed by the population. Vigna unguiculata (Cowpea) is an important protein source, which can be cooked plain, mixed with other foods or processed into different formulated recipes. Cookies can be easily fortified with protein-rich flours to provide convenience food to supplement protein in the diet. Cowpea cookies are beneficial to health and combat the malnutrition. In the present study, protein-rich cookies from cowpea have been developed. Legume is a very good source of proteins, fibre and minerals such as calcium and iron. This study can help industries to develop functional foods and gluten-free food products, which will help researchers to further, explore the possibilities of the development of functional foods utilizing low-cost legumes.

Thesis (MScAgric) -- University of Stellenbosch, 2003.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Cowpeas are produced under low and irregular rainfall in most of arid and semi-arid areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Growth and yield are therefore reduced due to the occurrence of water stress during the growing season. Knowledge of the responses and adaptive mechanisms of cowpeas to water stress may help to improve the management practices for these areas. Therefore, three glasshouse experiments were conducted at Welgevallen Experimental Farm of the University of Stellenbosch to test the responses of two cowpea cultivars to water stress. In the first experiment, physiological responses were used to identify those physiological parameters, which can be used to distinguish between drought tolerant and susceptible cowpea cultivars. In the second experiment, some of the identified physiological parameters together with some morphological growth responses, yield and grain protein content of the same two cowpea cultivars were used to identify which is the more tolerant cultivar. Tn the third experiment, the hypothesis that increased phosphorus supply may improve the tolerance of cowpea plants to water stress and their ability of recover from the stress was tested. The results showed that water stress affected water relations, morphological growth parameters, yield and grain protein content, but increasing P supply reduced the effect of water stress and promoted more rapid recovery after re-watering. Water relations were affected by water stress because it reduced relative water content, which resulted in reduced water potential and increased leaf diffusive resistance and proline accumulation. Morphological growth responses and yields were affected because water stress reduced the leaf area, which resulted in reduced biomass production and seed yield. Lower leaf area under water stress was the result of the reduced number of leaves and leaf expansion rate, but the number of leaves was the most important parameter. Reduced seed yield was due to reduced number of pods. The responses of the two cultivars tested were different. AB Wit, which performed better under well-watered conditions was more affected by water stress due to its larger leaf area that resulted in excessive water loss by transpiration. ACH14 was more drought tolerant than AB Wit due to a combination of a more rapid stomatal closure and proline accumulation, which induced osmotic adjustment, and which in tum helped to maintain higher water potentials. The increased P supply reduced the effect of the water stress. High-P level plants showed higher root growth, which resulted in more water uptake and larger leaf area during the water stress period, and after re-watering these plants recovered more rapidly. The more rapid recovery from stress was the result of enhanced root growth and leaf expansion rate and most probably due to increased water uptake. High-P level plants also showed more rapid leaf appearance and plant growth at earlier stages compared to the low-P level plants.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Akkerbone word onder toestande van lae en wisselvallige reenval in baie ariede en semi-ariede gebiede van Afrika verbou. In hierdie gebiede word groei en produksie dikwels beperk deur water tekorte gedurende die groei seisoen. Kennis van reaksies en aanpassingsmeganismes van akkerbone teenoor water tekorte mag dus help om produksietegnieke in bogenoemde gebiede te verbeter. Om hierdie rede is drie glashuiseksperimente onder gekontroleerde toestande op die Welgevallen Proefplaas van die Universiteit van Stellenbosch uitgevoer. In die eerste eksperiment is fisiologiese reaksies van twee cultivars gebruik om eienskappe te identifiseer wat gebruik kan word om tussen droogteweerstandbiedende en droogte gevoelige cultivars te onderskei. In die tweede eksperiment is sommige van die geidentifiseerde eienskappe asook morfologiese groei, opbrengs en kwaliteitsreaksies van dieselfde twee cultivars gebruik om die meer droogte weerstandbiedende cultivar te identifiseer. In die derde eksperiment is die hipotese dat P-bemesting die droogteweerstandbiedendheid teen en herstelvermoe na droogte kan verbeter, getoets. Die resultate toon dat water tekorte beide plantwaterverhoudings, morfologiese eienskappe asook opbrengs en proteieninhoud beinvloed, maar dat hoe P-peile die invloed van water tekorte verminder en herstelverrnoe na die droogte verbeter. Plant-waterverhoudings is bemvloed omdat water tekorte relatiewe waterinhoud van plante verlaag wat aanleiding gee tot verlaagde plantwaterpotensiale, verhoogde huidmondjie weerstand en 'n toename in prolien inhoud. Morfologiese eienskappe en opbrengs is benadeel weens 'n veri aging in blaaroppervlakte wat fotosintetiese vermoe en gevolglik ook biomassaproduksie en saad opbrengs benadeel. Verlaagde blaaroppervlakte tydens water tekorte was hoofsaaklik die gevolg van 'n vermindering in aantal blare, terwyl verlaagde saadopbrengs grootliks die resultaat van 'n vermindering in aantal peule was. Die cultivar AB Wit wat die hoogste opbrengs onder gunstige groeitoestande gelewer het, is die meeste bemvloed deur water tekorte omdat die welige blaargroei van hierdie cultivar, luukse waterverbruik en groter transpirasie verliese veroorsaak het. Die cultivar ACH 14 daarteenoor het waterverliese beperk deurdat die huidmondjies vinniger gesluit het en verhoogde prolien-inhoude, osmotiese aanpassings veroorsaak het. Dit het gehelp om waterpotensiale instand te hou. Hierdie cultivar was gevolglik meer droogte weerstandbiedend as AB Wit. Hoe vlakke van P-bemesting het die effek van water tekorte verminder weens verbeterde wortelgroei. Dit het wateropname gedurende en na die peri ode van water stremming verbeter sodat plante vinniger herstel het na die droe periode. Plante wat by hoe P-peile gegroei is het ook 'n verhoogde blaarverskyningstempo en 'n toename in groei tydens die vroee ontwikkelingstadiums getoon.

The objective of this study was (1) quantify N₂ fixation in sole and mixed cropped cowpea, (2) To access nutrient assimilation by component species in the cropping system, and (3) to determine the effects of cropping system on C metabolites. At harvest the dry mass of both cowpea and maize were highest in sole crops. There was a significant difference in % nitrogen of maize and cowpea plants from the different cropping systems. Total nitrogen content was highest in sole cropped maize and cowpea plants with sole cowpea fixing the most N₂. δ¹⁵N values were lower for the shoots of symbiotic cowpea compared to the maize. Root δ¹⁵N values were also generally lower in cowpea than in maize. The %N derived from fixation (Ndfa) was similar for sole, intra and intercropped cowpea. However the amount of N fixed was significantly greater in sole cowpea compared to intra- and intercropped cowpea. When nutrient uptake and assimilation was assessed in the cropping system, it was found that mineral elements such as Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn and B occurred in significantly greater concentrations in the N₂-fixing legume compared to the cereal partner. However the concentration of soluble sugars and starch remained the same for both shoot and roots of cowpea and maize plants in the cropping system.

Pasta was produced from soft wheat supplemented with cowpea. Acid detergent fiber values increased from 0.4% in the soft wheat pasta (SWP) to 1.1% in the 30% cowpea pasta (CP). Cowpea supplementation provided an increase in total and available lysine from 42 to 113% and 39 to 117%, respectively. Chemical scores for preschool children increased from 56 in the SWP to 89 in the 30% CP. For school children the 20% CP provided a score of 102. The in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) of cowpea was lower than that of soft wheat; as a result cowpea reduced the IVPD of SWP from 84% to a value of 78% for the 30% CP. The protein content of SWP was 10.9% while the CP ranged from 11.3 to 14.2%. Considering IVPD values, SWP contained 9.2% digestible protein and CP from 9.2 to 11.1%. After cooking, only the 30% CP displayed trypsin inhibitor activity. Upon visual examination, cowpea improved the color of SP making it comparable to the durum semolina control (DSC) but lacking its translucency. A sensory panel reported no difference in acceptability among treatments. Cooked weights were similar to the SWP, except with 30% replacement when a decrease was observed. CP, after 10 minutes of cooking demonstrated reduced loss as supplementation was increased. After 20 minutes all treatments had similar cooking loss compared to the SP. All treatments displayed cooking quality results significantly different from the DSC.

Thesis (M. S.)--Michigan State University. Dept. of Food Science and Human Nutrition, 2006.
Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on June 19, 2009) Includes bibliographical references (p. 67-70). Also issued in print.

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) among children remains a huge burden in Africa. Due to poverty, such children rely on the same starchy staples, such as sorghum, consumed in the household, as both their source of energy and protein. However, sorghum has a low protein quality, particularly with respect to the indispensable amino acid lysine and also protein digestibility. Local pulses such as cowpea are important vehicles to address PEM. Biscuits are favoured as means of fortification because they are palatable, nutrient-dense, in ready-to-eat form and have a long shelf-life. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to develop and evaluate the effect of fortifying whole grain sorghum with whole grain cowpea on the nutritional quality, instrumental, sensory characteristics and consumer evaluation of the biscuits. Composite biscuits were produced from two types of whole grain sorghums, white tan-plant, non-tannin (WTP) and red non-tannin (RNT) composited with whole grain cowpea at 60:40 ratio. These were compared with commercial economic wheat biscuits. Sorghum-cowpea biscuits had 50-60% higher protein content than 100% sorghum biscuits but were the same as that of wheat biscuits. The mineral content of sorghum-cowpea biscuits was 27-29% and 37% higher than that of 100% sorghum and wheat biscuits, respectively. The pepsin in-vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) of the sorghum-cowpea biscuits was 71-81% higher than that of 100% biscuits due to inclusion of the more digestible cowpea globulin proteins. However, the average pepsin IVPD of the sorghum and sorghum-cowpea biscuits was 211% and 76% lower than that of wheat biscuits, respectively. There was no trypsin inhibitor activity in the sorghum-cowpea biscuits due to the dilution of the trypsin inhibitors in cowpea. The total phenolic content of the sorghum-cowpea biscuits was 30-45% and 70% higher than that of 100% sorghum and wheat biscuits, respectively. Sorghum-cowpea biscuits were stronger than 100% sorghum biscuits due to water soluble-globulin proteins from cowpea. Correspondence analysis (CA) revealed that 64% of the variation in terms of texture and flavour of the biscuits was due to type of cereal (sorghum or wheat) and 23% was due to the presence of cowpea in biscuits, respectively. Standard wheat biscuits were the most liked. However, using cluster analysis, individual overall liking of consumers varied and four different clusters of consumers with similar liking of the biscuits were identified. Two clusters with substantial percentage of consumers (41%) liked the sorghum-cowpea biscuits. These findings suggest that sorghum-cowpea composite biscuits could well serve as an acceptable high quality protein-rich complementary food to alleviate PEM, and generate income for smallholder farmers in rural areas of Africa where sorghum and cowpea are produced and consumed as staples.
Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2013.
lk2014
Food Science
MSc
Unrestricted

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate plant growth, grain yield and symbiotic N contribution by 32 cowpea genotypes, at Taung in South Africa. The data from a 2-year field study conducted in 2005 and 2006 showed that genotypes Fahari, Pan 311 and Glenda exhibited the highest dry matter yield and N contribution as they produced 2.9-, 2.7- and 3.5-fold more dry matter than cv. ITH98-46 and yielded 2.7-, 2.2- and 3.2-fold more N than cultivar ITH98-46 from IITA. Except for Benpila, all the 32 cowpea genotypes derived between 52.0 and 80.9% of their N nutrition from symbiotic fixation in 2005, with IT82D-889, Botswana White, IT93K-2045-29 and Ngonji exhibiting the highest %Ndfa values. The genotype Fahari showed the highest amount N-fixed (182 kg N-fixed/ha), followed by Pan 311, Glenda, TVu11424 and Mamlaka which contributed 160, 146, 130 and 125 kg N/ha, respectively. Genotypes Pan 311, Fahari and Glenda were among those that produced highest grain yield in 2005 and except for CH14 and IT86S-2246 (which produced 131 kg N/ha each), Fahari, Glenda and Pan 311, were again the highest in symbiotic N contribution (112, 106 and 105 kg N/ha, respectively). Grain yield was similarly high in Glenda, Pan 311 and Fahari (3.3, 3.1 and 2.9 t/ha, respectively) in 2006. In general, these data show that genotypes that fixed more N also produced more biomass and grain yield and are therefore, the best candidates for inclusion in cropping systems as biofertilizers.

Thesis (Ph.D.) --University of Limpopo, 2012
A series of experiments were carried out to evaluate the feeding values of forage sorghum (Sorghum sudanense), cowpea (Vigna ungiculata), lablab (Lablab purpureus) and mucuna (Mucuna pruriens) hays for Pedi goat production in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The first study determined nutrient composition and tannin contents of the forages. The experimental design was a completely randomised design with four treatments: forage sorghum, cowpea, lablab and mucuna hays. All the legume species had higher (P<0.05) protein contents than sorghum hay, ranging from 18 to 22 %. Within the legume species, cowpea hay had a higher (P<0.05) protein content than lablab and mucuna hays. Similarly, lablab hay had a higher (P<0.05) protein content than mucuna hay. Mucuna hay had a higher (P<0.05) concentration of both condensed tannins and hydrolysable tannins than cowpea, lablab and sorghum hays, while lablab hay had the highest (P<0.05) concentration of total polyphenols. The second study determined relative palatability indices of Pedi goats offered forage sorghum, cowpea, lablab and mucuna hays. Four male Pedi goats aged five months and weighing an average of 18 + 2 kg were used. The experimental design was a completely randomized design, with feeds (forage sorghum, cowpea, lablab and mucuna) as treatments and individual animals as replicates. Lablab and mucuna legumes had higher (P<0.05) intake and palatability indices than sorghum and cowpea hays. Palatability indices were positively and significantly (P<0.05) predicted from dry matter intakes of goats (r2 = 0.98). However, there were poor and non-significant (P>0.05) relationships between nutrient contents of the forages and their intake and palatability indices by goats. The third study determined diet intake, digestibility and live weight gain of seven months old Pedi goats fed a basal diet of forage sorghum supplemented with different amounts of cowpea, lablab or mucuna hays. The experimental design was a completely randomized design, with individual animals placed in digestibility crates as experimental units. This study was divided into a series of experiments due to lack of equipment to conduct the whole experiment in one session. A total of four experiments were conducted. Fifteen growing male Pedi goats were used in each experiment, with mean live weights of 15 + 4 kg, 18 + 2 kg, 17 + 3 kg and 20 + 4 kg for experiments 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4, respectively. In each experiment, different goats were used. Experiments 5.1 to 5.3 involved cowpea, lablab and mucuna hays, respectively, while Experiment 5.4 compared the levels of supplementation for optimum intake from each of the first three experiments. Dry matter intakes of cowpea and lablab hay were optimised at 39 and 32 %, respectively, while that of mucuna hay increased with increasing levels of mucuna hay supplementation. Dry matter digestibilities of cowpea, lablab and mucuna hays increased with increasing levels of the respective forage supplementations. Cowpea and mucuna hay supplementations improved (P<0.05) final live weights and feed conversion ratios, while goats on lablab hay supplementation lost weight. At optimum intake, goats supplemented with mucuna hay had a better (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio than those supplemented with lablab and cowpea hays. The fourth study determined in vitro gas production of pure and mixtures of forage sorghum with cowpea, lablab and mucuna hays. Two experiments were conducted. In the first experiment (Experiment 6.1) the experimental design was a completely randomised design with four treatments (forage sorghum, cowpea, lablab and mucuna). The legume species of cowpea, lablab and mucuna hays produced more (P<0.05) gas than sorghum hay after 12 hours of incubation. Sorghum hay produced more (P<0.05) gas than cowpea, lablab and sorghum hays after 24, 48 and 72 hours of incubation. Sorghum hay dry matter intake by goats in the palatability trial was positively and significantly (P<0.05) predicted from gas production after 12 (r2 = 0.99), 24 (r2 = 0.97) and 48 (r2 = 0.93) hours of incubation. Cowpea hay, lablab hay and mucuna hay dry matter intakes by goats were poorly predicted from gas production after 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours of incubation. In the second experiment (Experiment 6.2), the experimental design was a completely randomised design with three treatments (mixtures at optimum intake): 1. FS61C39: A mixture of 61 % forage sorghum and 39 % cowpea, 2. FS68L32: A mixture of 68 % forage sorghum and 32 % lablab, 3. FS77M23: A mixture of 77 % forage sorghum and 23 % mucuna. There were no differences in gas production (P>0.05) across dietary mixtures after 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours of incubation. Dry matter intake by Pedi goats of sorghum hay mixed with cowpea at 39 % hay was positively and significantly (P<0.05) predicted from gas production of the mixtures after 24 hours (r2 = 1.0) of incubation. Dry matter intake from gas production from the same mixture was poorly predicted from gas production after 48 (r2 = 0.45) and 72 (r2 = 0.13) hours of incubation. Dry matter intake of sorghum hay by Pedi goats supplemented with lablab hay at 32 % was moderately predicted from gas production after 48 (r2 = 0.67) and 72 (r2 = 0.60) hours, but poorly predicted after 12 (r2 = 0.50), 24 (r2 = 0.53) hours of incubation. Dry matter intake of sorghum hay by Pedi goats supplemented with 23 % mucuna hay was positively predicted from gas production after 12 (r2 = 0.90) hours, but moderately predicted after 24 (r2 = 0.80), 48 (r2 = 0.72) and 72 (r2 = 0.83) hours of incubation. Dry matter digestibility of sorghum hay mixed with 23 % mucuna hay was positively and significantly (P<0.05) predicted from gas production after 24 (r2 = 1.0), 48 (r2 = 0.99) and 72 (r2 = 1.0) hours of incubation. Dry matter digestibility of sorghum hay mixed with 39 % cowpea hay was positively predicted from gas production after 48 (r2 = 0.95), moderately predicted after 24 and 72, and poorly predicted after 12 hours of incubation. Dry matter digestibility of sorghum hay mixed with 32 % lablab hay was positively predicted from gas production after 72 (r2 = 0.92) hours of incubation. The relationships between digestibility of the mixtures and gas production after 12, 24 and 48 hours of incubation were poor. The fifth study determined in sacco degradation of mixtures at optimum intake of forage sorghum mixed with cowpea, lablab or mucuna when incubated in goats. The ‘a’ values and dry matter losses in cowpea and lablab hays were higher (P < 0.05) than those of mucuna hay. Dry matter intake of sorghum hay mixed with lablab hay at 32 % was positively and strongly predicted from in sacco degradation after 12 (r2 = 0.90), 24 (r2 = 0.94), 48 (r2 = 0.96) and 72 (r2 = 0.97) hours of incubation. Dry matter intake of sorghum hay mixed with 39 % cowpea hay was poorly predicted from in sacco degradation after 12 (r2 = 0.25), 24 (r2 = 0.20), 48 (r2 = 0.11) and 72 (r2 = 0.08) hours of incubation. Dry matter intake of sorghum hay mixed with 23 % mucuna hay was positively and moderately predicted from in sacco degradation after 12 (r2 = 0.68) hours and 24 (r2 = 0.55) hours, but poorly predicted after 48 (r2 = 0.40) and 72 (r2 = 0.20) hours of incubation. vii It was concluded that cowpea, lablab and mucuna hays had higher protein contents and palatability indices than forage sorghum and therefore, have the potential of being utilised as protein supplements for goats on low quality roughages. Legume supplementation, in general, improved diet intake, digestibility, feed conversion ratio and live weight of goats, except for lablab hay supplementation. It was also noted that diet intake, digestibility and final live weights of the goats were optimised at different levels of forage supplementation. This may indicate that supplementation levels for optimum productivity will depend on the particular parameter in question. In vitro gas production and in sacco degradation techniques have the potential of predicting intake, digestibility and palatability indices of goats fed sorghum hay supplemented with cowpea, lablab or mucuna hays.