The use of tropical protein-rich leaves as supplements to Thai swamp buffalo receiving a basal diet of rice straw and treated leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala)

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to determine (i) the effects of protein-rich trees (PRTs) and (ii) the effects of leucaena treated with NaOH solution and leucaena plus polyethylene glycol (PEG) on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen (N) balance, urinary purine derivatives excretion and blood metabolites in Thai swamp buffaloes. In Experiment 1, animals were fed with rice straw as a basal diet and one of the four PRT supplements: (i) oven-dried rain tree pods (RTPP, control); (ii) sun-dried leucaena leaves; (iii) sun-dried cassia leaves and (iv) sun-dried mulberry leaves. Fibre digestibility and N balance were lower (P < 0.05), but microbial N in the rumen was higher (P < 0.05) in animals supplemented with RTPP than in those fed with the other supplements. In Experiment 2, animals were fed with rice straw as a basal diet and leucaena were treated in one of three ways: (i) untreated (control), (ii) leucaena treated with NaOH solution and (iii) leucaena + PEG. Fibre digestibility and N balance in the rumen improved (P < 0.05) in animals supplemented with leucaena + PEG, but microbial N was not increased. The study demonstrated a way of using local PRTs for a suitable and worthwhile method to improve the quality of buffalo feeding systems in the tropics.

Biomass accumulation and chemical composition of Massai grass intercropped with forage legumes on an integrated crop-livestock-forest system

“…Leucaena is also known for its high nutritional value and acceptability and for its similar chemical composition to that of Alfalfa. The results found in this study are similar to those reported by several authors (Barcellos et al, 2008;Jetana et al, 2011). Differences between the Leucaena hybrid and Leucaena l. cv Cunningham were also reported by Barcellos (2006).…”

A comparative study on mimosine, 3,4-dihydroxy pyridone (3,4-DHP) and 2,3-dihydroxy pyridone (2,3-DHP), purine derivatives (PD) excretion in the urine, thyroid hormone and blood metabolites profiles of Thai swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and Murrah buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

“…Multiple purpose trees, such as leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala), have proven to be effective by improving nutrient utilisation, leading to improving nutrient intakes (Majuva-Masafu and Linington 2006), nutrient digestibility and animal performance (Rubanza et al 2005) and lactation (Ghosh et al 2007) and also reduce the use of expensive concentrates (Jetana et al 2011). The farmers who raise buffaloes are not motivated to use this plant.…”

Potential Benefits from the Utilization of Leucaena leucocephala in Thai Swamp Buffaloes Production

“…The present study showed that none the different proportions of RTPP affects to PDs/DOMI ratios, but the high proportions of RTPP in leuceana increased mimosine + DHP in the urine, but did not beyond 100 mg/kg BW 0.75 . ); RTPP: Sun-dried rain tree pod pellet; 300 g RTPP: 300 g sun-dried rain tree pod pellet + 3.0 kg chopped fresh leucaena leaves; 600 g RTPP: 600 g sun-dried rain tree pod pellet + 3.0 kg chopped fresh leucaena leaves; 1,100 g RTPP: 1,100 g sun-dried rain tree pod pellet + 3.0 kg chopped fresh leucaena leaves; 1,600 g RTPP: 1,600 g sun-dried rain tree pod pellet + 3.0 kg chopped fresh leucaena leaves Source: Jetana et al (2011) The rain tree pod can be used as an appetizing material for combination with leaves of luecaena, mulberry and cassia. However, the RTPP dietary supplement containing high sugar enhanced microbial supply to the small intestine when fed to animals.…”

“…However, the microbial yield supply to the small intestine decreases in animals fed leucaena treated with NaOH diet, accordingly the NaOH treated leucaena may not only decrease the phenolic compounds and tannins, but also reduce N and water soluble carbohydrates contents (SundstØl & Owen 1984). Jetana et al (2011) As consequence of the condensed tannins contents, these are still the main problem, if leucaena leaves is used as feedstuff in ruminants. Both treatments of leucaena by adding PEG and treating with NaOH solution to control tannins results in increasing fibre digestion.…”

“…Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) one of the multiple purpose trees has proven to be effective by improving nutrient utilization and nutrient intakes (Masafu & Linington 2006), nutrient digestibility and animal performance (Shelton 2007;2009) and lactation (Ghosh et al 2007), also reducing the use of expensive concentrates (Jetana et al 2011). There are several properties to consider leucaena a good fodder such as high crude protein content, content of essential elements except sodium (Na), very high palatability, high digestibility, bypass protein contribution, anthelmintic properties.…”