Evaluation of Some Unconventional Plants As Ruminant Feed

News source: Department of Agriculture and
Forestry Extension, MARD, Vietnam
For further information, see Science & Technology Journal of Agriculture and
Rural Development, No. 12, 2002, pp.1089-1090., 2003-06-01

Leaves and Shoots of Trees for Ruminants in the DRY Season

This study evaluated the nutrient value of Trichanthera gigantea, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, and Muntingia calabura as additional ruminant feeds in the dry season.

Chemical Analysis and Degradability in Rumen

Leaves and young shoots of the target trees were sampled for chemical analysis and identification of rumen degradability of dry matter and fermentation in vitro. Experimental results showed that crude protein content found in leaves and young shoots of T. gigantean, H. rosa-sinensis, and M. calabura were 12-12.4, 14.2-16, and 17.2-18.4%, respectively. Meanwhile, rumen degradability in leaves and young shoots of H. rosa-sinensis, T. gigantea, and M. calabura at 24 hours after feeding were 71.9-92.1, 46.8-48.2, and 39.6-46.5 respectively.

Hibiscus Has Highest Protein and Degradability

Data obtained showed that crude protein content and degradability of H. rosa-sinensis are much higher than those of T. gigantea and M. calabura. H. rosa-sinensis seemed to be a promising fodder especially in the dry season in Central Vietnam. However, there is a need to further investigate the anti-nutritional and food intake characteristics of H. rosa-sinensis.

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