Informatics Publishing Limited

P. C. Gupta , Randhir Singh , D. C. Sangwan , K. Pradhan

Abstract

The chemical composition and in vitro nutrient digestibility of 23 different tree leaves were determined by following the newer methods of forage analysis. The percent DM content varied from 17.20 to 49.33, CP from 9.20 to 21.00, NDF from 18.52 to 76.00, cell contents from 24.00 to 81.48, ADF from 13.10 to 67.00 hemicellulose from 2.20 to 25.80, lignin from 4.10 to 14.60, cellulose from 7.00 to 50.50, total minerals from 9.25 to 21.50, calcium from 1.12 to 4.00, phosphorous from 0.10 to 0.60 and silica from 0.30 to 5.20. IVDMD and IVCWD ranged from 50.30 to 91.30 and 20.82 to 64.06 percent respectively. The data so obtained reveal that the nutritive value of tree leaves is at par with the common forages.Some of the tree leaves such as drake (Melia azadarach), pakar (Ficus infectoria), kadamb (Anthocephalus cadamba), and shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) form an excellent feed for the cattle while a few frans (Casuarina equisetifolia), dhak (Butea frondosa)and sukhchain (Pongamia glabra) are poor in nutritional quality. However, most of the tree leaves in general can be utilized for fodder purposes.

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Saroj Rathee ¹, K. Pradhan ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Foods and Nutrition, Haryana Agricultural University, Hissar-125 004, IN

Abstract

The cereal based diets commonly consumed in India are generally deficient in calcium, vitamin C, protein and other nutrients, while iron content of diets is often adequate.

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Randhir Singh ¹, P. C. Gupta ¹, K. Pradhan ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Animal Nutrition, Haryana Agricultural University, Hissar, IN

Abstract

In view of the importance of the mineral content of forages in animal nutrition, comprehensive analysis of most temperate and tropical forage species have been made. In general, tropical grasses are lower in mineral content than temperate species, though it is not always clear whether this is an intrinsic property of the species or due to low mineral status of the soil.

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