The biochemical and quality parameters of tree fodder of different fodder tree species grown under agroforestry systems
Biochemical and quality parameters of different fodder tree
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21921/jas.v10i04.14386Keywords:
Nutritional quality, crude protein, crude fibre, palatability, nitrogen free extract, total ash, crude fat, selective rankingAbstract
Feeding of selected tree foliage is a traditional practice in many areas and hence, determination of nutritional quality of fodder sources is an important aspect for making balanced diet. Hence, the present investigation on biochemical and quality parameters of tree fodder under agroforestry systems was conducted at Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad campus during the period 2018-19 and 2019-20. The quality parameters and palatability of tree fodder of seven tree species in fodder bank was studied, so that farmers can feed their livestock with quality fodder by growing indigenous fodder tree species on farmlands. The study revealed that the crude protein concentration of the leaves varied significantly with a higher value in T4 - Sesbania grandiflora + FC followed by T6 - Moringa oleifera + FC. The crude fibre content varied significantly with higher values in T7 - Bauhinia purpurea + FC followed by T3 - Leucaena leucocephala + FC. There was a significant variation in crude fat content recorded with a higher value of 7.31 per cent in Moringa oleifera + FC (T6) followed by T5 - Gliricidia sepium + FC. The highest total ash content was recorded in T4 - Sesbania grandiflora + FC followed by T3 - Leucaena leucocephala + FC. The nitrogen free extract (NFE) content was recorded with a higher value in T2 - Albizia lebbeck + FC followed by T1 - Calliandra calothyrsus + FC. The palatability and selectivity for preferences (ranking) of seven tree fodders was studied based on the potential consumption of tree fodder by sheep and goats in different harvesting seasons (harvesting intervals at 4, 8 and 12 MAT). Palatability (%) increased from I pruning (at 4 months) to II pruning (8 months) and then decreased at III pruning (at 12 months). During the study periods, T3 - Leucaena leucocephala + FC has fetched highest palatability (%) of tree fodder followed by T4 - Sesbania grandiflora + FC at all the stages of harvesting intervals with significant variation. Palatability study indicated that the selective ranking of tree fodder among protein sources studied for feeding sheep and goat is followed in the order T3 - Leuceana leucocephala + FC (1st Rank) > T4 - Sesbania grandiflora + FC (2nd Rank) > T1 - Calliandra calothyrsus (3rd Rank) > T6 - Moringa oleifera (4th Rank) > T7 - Bauhinia purpurea (5th Rank) > T2 - Albizia lebbeck (6th Rank) > T5 - Gliricidia sepium (7th Rank). The higher nutritional parameters of tree foliage indicated Sesbania grandiflora + FC (T4), Leucaena leucocephala + FC (T3) and T6 - Moringa oleifera + FC agroforestry systems have produced good quality fodder for livestock. Palatability study among seven tree fodders towards sheep and goat showed that Leucaena leucocephala + FC (T3), Calliandra calothyrsus (T1) and Sesbania grandiflora + FC (T4) are mostly preferred fodder tree species among sheep and goat and economically viable systems.
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