Chemical composition of two cultivars of Moringa oleífera Lam. With two different sowing densities and cutting frequencies.

The Moringa is a tree from the south of the Himalayan wide spread among the tropics as an alternative for human nutrition based on the nutritional value of it leaves, adaptability and high growing rate, to evaluate the chemical composition of two cultivars, Común and Super of Moringa oleífera Lam. Using two different sowing densities (0.1m x 0.1m and 0.4m x 0.4m) and cutting frequencies (45, 60 and 75 days after sowing). The investigation was carried out at the Agronomy Faculty, Zulia University, Venezuela. The experimental design used was a randomized complete blocks with 3 repetitions. The contents of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and ash were determined using the AOAC methodology, and Van Soest. Results showed significant differences for the variables, DM (p <0.05) for the common cultivar at 0.40m with a 91.3%; CP content obtained significant differences (p <0.05) showing 24.17% with a cutting frequency of 45 days. No significant differences found between cultivars, the interaction of the sowing density and cutting frequency directly affect the nutritional content of the moringa. The chemical composition of these cultivars implies a potential use for human and animal nutrition in the tropics.