In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of roughages and tree leaves.

Abstract

Chemical composition and digestibility in vitro of DM (IVDMD) of various tree leaves and locally available roughages were estimated. CP content of the leaves was (% DM) for: pala (Ziziphus nummularia) 15.7, zinja (Bauhinia racemosa) 14.0, ardu (Ailanthus excelsa) 14.0, khejri (Prosopis cineraria) 12.2, mulberry (Morus indica) 12.2, cowpea (Vigna tetragonoloba) 8.7, mango (Mangifera indica) 8.7, peepal (Ficus religiosa) 7.0, bargad (Ficus bengalensis) 7.0 and cenchrus (Cenchrus ciliaris) 5.3. Bargad leaves had the highest lignin content and, thus, low IVDMD value of 28%. The high lignin content of khejri and pala, 22.0 and 19.0%, respectively, did not reduce their IVDMD. Ardu leaves had the highest IVDMD value of 61.9%, followed by zinja 55.7, pala 43.8, peepal 43.0, mulberry 41.7 and mango 38.6. Cowpea hay had an IVDMD value of 58.8%, and cenchrus grass, 40.0%.