Stylosanthes guianensis

Stylo, Brazilian lucerne

Erect many-branched perennial herb up to 1 m high with trifoliate leaves. Native to South America, where it takes the place of lucerne, and now introduced in other areas throughout the tropics. Adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions and very resistant to various weather conditions. Can be used to oversow natural grasslands so as to extend grazing into the dry season and increase carrying capacity. Mixes with many grasses, and bacteria inoculation is not always necessary. Fertilization with phosphorus required on poor soils, especially in the early stages of growth. Low palatability during the rain, but readily eaten during the dry season. Mowing usually encourages growth, whereas cattle grazing suppresses it; grazing by sheep is less harmful. If kept short, it will not become woody but remains leafy and palatable. Seldom used for hay or silage. It has become one of the most popular pasture legumes, and several commercial cultivars are available.

As % of dry matter

DM

CP

CF

Ash

EE

NFE

Ca

P

Ref

Fresh, late vege-

tative, Congo

18.1

26.8

8.3

2.1

44.7

428

Hay, 2-mnth-old

cuttings, Malaysia

24.0

16.7

31.7

10.0

1.7

39.9

1.55

0.56

292

Digestibility (%)

Animal

CP

CF

EE

NFE

ME

Ref

Fresh, late vegetative

Sheep

65.9

42.8

38.9

79.7

2.28

428

Amino acid composition as % of crude protein

Hay

Ref

188

Arg

Cys

Gly

His

Ils

Leu

Lys

Met

Phe

Thr

Try

Tyr

Val

5.3

1.2

4.5

1.6

3.8

6.1

3.5

1.7

4.1

4.1

1.4

3.8

5.2