Evaluation of Forest Tree Leaves of Semi-hilly Arid Region as Livestock Feed

Abstract

Samples of 13 species of forest tree leaves fed to livestock in the semi-hilly arid zone of Punjab State in India were collected at 30 d interval for 12 months, in order to assess their nutritional worth for livestock. The ground samples were pooled for 4 different seasons viz. dry hot, hot humid, fall and winter. The chemical composition irrespective of the season revealed that CP content varied between 8.9 (Carrisa) to 22.0% (Leucaena). Globulin was the major protein fraction in most of the leaves. The lowest concentration of cell wall constituents was observed in Morus alba and Grewea. The leaves in general became fiberous and lignified during winter and fall as compared to summer season. The leaves of Grewea, Morus alba, Leucaena, Carrisa and Acacia were rich in Ca, P and most of the trace elements. The total phenolics ranged between 1.88% (Azardirachta) to 15.82% (Acacia). The leaves of Acacia had the highest concentration of hydrolysable tannins (14.6%) whereas that of Carrisa had that of condensed tannins (5.9%). The condensed tannins (more than 3%) were negatively correlated to the digestibility of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and crude protein (CP). The digestion kinetic parameters for DM, NDF and CP revealed that leaves of Morus alba, Zizyphus and Ehretia had highest insoluble but potentially degradable fraction. The minimum rumen fill values also revealed that leaves of Grewea, Azardirachta, Morus, Ehretia and Leucaena had great potential for voluntary DM intake. The leaves of Ougeinia, Malha, Dodenia and Carrisa had significantly higher rumen fill value indicating poor potential for voluntary DM intake. Season did not have any significant impact on digestion kinetic parameters except that most of the leaves had low potentially degradable fraction, which was degraded at slow rate during winter. It was concluded that the leaves of Morus, Ehretia, Grewea and Leucaena had great potential as livestock feed, while feeding of Ougeinia, Malha and Dodonea leaves should be avoided.

Nutrient and Anti-Nutritional Composition of Crop Residues and Kitchen Wastes Fed to Small Ruminants in Choba, Port Harcourt

“…The crude protein content of crop residues and kitchen wastes in this study meets the requirement need of small ruminants as it is not less than 6% which will provide ammonia required by rumen microorganisms to support optimum microbial activity. They also contain reasonable amount of crude fibre which can be a good source since digestibility is dependent on the cell wall constituents (fibre), especially NDF (neutral detergent fibre) and lignin (Barkshi and Wadhwa, 2004). When crude fibre content is high, the energy and protein contents are lower because crude fibre is considered indigestible.…”

Feeding Response of Tree Fodder Bhimal (Grewia optiva) on Growth Performance of Castrated Male Goats

“…The digestion characteristics of the tree leaves of G. optiva revealed to be superior energy sources for ruminants (Singh et al 1989). A comprehensive study revealed that out of 13 species of forest tree leaves of Morusalba, Ehretialeavis, Grewia and Leucaenawere highly nutritious and showed great potential as alternate feed resources (Bakshi and Wadhwa, 2004). Similarly, in-vivo studies revealed that the leaves of high CP content fodder, Meliaazedarach, Morusalba and Leucaenaleucocephala supplemented with mineral mixture and common salt could be fed as complete feed to goat bucks (Bakshi and Wadhwa 2007).…”

Replacement Value of Cassava Peels with Rice Husk for Guinea Grass in the Diet of West African Dwarf (WAD) Sheep

“…The results of the fibre fraction in the diets shows that neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) were quiet high. It has been reported by Bakshi and Wadhwa (2004) that high levels of NDF and ADL have negative effect on DM intake and digestibility but increase ruminal rate of passage in ruminants. The apparent nutrient digestibility of West African Dwarf Sheep fed experimental diets is shown in Table 2.…”