Comparison of four fodder species of leguminous shrubs in southern China

In order to select fodder species of leguminous shrubs that are suitable for planting in southern China, we conducted a comparison trial with four fodder species of leguminous shrubs in this region, using a completely random block design. All the four leguminous shrubs species could be planted in southern China. Among the four species, Codariocalyx gyroides showed remarkable resistance to cold stress, produced high fresh yield, showed good performance after cutting (3~4 cutting times a year), showed good regenerative capability, produced hay yield of 11.60 t·(ha·a)-1 (14.74%~37.78% higher than those of other speies) and had higher leaf yield and protein content. After comprehensive analysis and comparison, C. gyroides was identified as the high-quality fodder species of leguminous shrubs suitable for plantation in southern China.