Early growth and seasonal chemical composition of three indigenous multipurpose tree species (MPTS) in Abeokuta, Nigeria

Abstract

A study was carried out to evaluate the growth parameters and nutritive qualities of Moringa oleifera, Millettia griffoniana and Pterocarpus santalinoides. The main objective of the study was to assess the potential of the MPTS in supplementing the feed of ruminant animals during the dry season when grasses are scarce and their quality generally fall short of animal requirements. Leaf samples were randomly collected from the trees for estimation of the proximate composition, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and gas production using the in vitro technique. Samples were collected three times to represent seasonal variations as follows: November: Early Dry; February: Mid Dry and April: Late Dry seasons. Gas production was recorded at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of incubation. Mortality rate was less than 5%. M. oleifera recorded the best overall growth respectively followed by P. santalinoides and M. griffoniana. P. santalinoides and M. oleifera retained more leaves in the dry season than M. griffoniana. The dry matter (DM) and ether extract (EE) contents of the MPTS were significantly (P \ 0.05) affected by seasons and plant species while there were significant (P \ 0.05) species effects on the CP and ADF values. The gas production values and the fermentation parameters indicated the presence of potentially degradable nutrients in the MPTS, which underscores the importance of the tree species as sources of nutrient for ruminant animals during the dry season.

Effects of species and season on chemical composition and ruminal crude protein and organic matter degradability of some multi‐purpose tree species by West African dwarf rams

“…The chemical composition of the MPTS showed substantial variation across species and seasons. The DM content was higher during the dry than rainy seasons and was within the ranges reported for browse trees under similar conditions in southwestern Nigeria (Asiegbu and Anugwa, 1988; Anele et al., 2008) and elsewhere (Topps, 1992; Ly et al., 2001). Greater DM content observed during the dry season might be as a result of reduced photosynthetic activity due probably to the lower moisture levels in the soil during this period relative to the rainy season.…”

Effects of age and species on agronomic performance, chemical composition and in vitro gas production of some tropical multi-purpose tree species

“…The current study, however, revealed limited variations due to age of trees and confirmed earlier opinions that trees retained most of their nutrient contents in season and over time. The DM content recorded for MPTS in the current study over 4 years for T. africana and M. griffoniana were slightly higher than what had been reported earlier for P. santalinoides (Anele et al 2008), and this might be due to the age factor. The CP content recorded for MPTS leaves was comparable to earlier reports (Ly et al 2001; Anele et al 2008).…”

Seasonal variations in the nutritive value of fifteen multipurpose fodder tree species: A case study of north-western Himalayan mid-hills

“…Similar to ADF and NDF contents, the CF content increased from young to mature leaves; since CF is composed of the ADF and NDF fractions. Also, Anele et al [ 84 ] observed a general increase in leaf lignification in mature leaves, resulting in an increase in CF content.…”