Chemical composition and in vitro fermentation of tannin-rich tree fruits

In vitro biological activity of tannins from Acacia and other tree fruits: Correlations with colorimetric and gravimetric phenolic assays

“…The chemical analyses described below were carried out as part of an earlier study on the chemical composition and in vitro fermentation of tree fruits (Mlambo et al, 2008) and are summarised here for ease of reference in Tables 1 and 2 in order to describe the fruit materials used in this study. Chemical analyses data summarised in the two tables were used in their raw form for correlation analyses with in vitro tannin bioactivity reported in this paper.…”

“…Table 1 Nitrogen (N), acid detergent insoluble N (ADIN), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and lignin (g/kg DM ± s.e.) content of tree fruits (Mlambo et al, 2008) Determination of ytterbium precipitable phenolics (YbPh) was done using an aqueous acetone (7:3 v/v, acetone:water) extract, obtained as described above for SCT. The procedure was carried out according to Reed et al (1985).…”

“…Trees, especially those of the Acacia genus, are adapted to a low moisture environment (Timberlake et al, 1999) thus offer a reliable source of feed in the form of leaves and fruits. Many Acacias produce potentially nutritious fruits with up to 20% crude protein (Tanner et al, 1990;Kibon & Maina, 1993;Ncube & Mpofu, 1994;Mlambo et al, 2008), which could be used to supplement low quality roughage in the long dry season. However, anti-nutritional factors, such as tannins, are known to be a significant component of many browse tree species (Aganga & Mosase, 2001;Mlambo et al, 2008).…”

“…Many Acacias produce potentially nutritious fruits with up to 20% crude protein (Tanner et al, 1990;Kibon & Maina, 1993;Ncube & Mpofu, 1994;Mlambo et al, 2008), which could be used to supplement low quality roughage in the long dry season. However, anti-nutritional factors, such as tannins, are known to be a significant component of many browse tree species (Aganga & Mosase, 2001;Mlambo et al, 2008). When Acacia and other tree fruits are considered as potential protein supplements for ruminant livestock, knowledge on the concentration and biological activity of tannins is important as these may interfere with the digestion and metabolism of protein (Komolong et al, 2001).…”

Nutritional Potential of Acacia (Acacia Nilotica (L.) Del.) Pods for Growing Red Sokoto Goats

“…Tannin in Acacia species can be greatly reduced by subjecting them to processing in various ways, by soaking pods in polyethylene glycol (PEG), boiling pods in water, adding charcoal to pods, crushing and soaking pods in wood ash (NaOH) or ammonia solutions (NH 3 ) or by sun-drying (Poage, et al, 2000;Mlambo et al, 2001;Rubanza, et al, 2003;Sikosana, et al, 2006). Most of the above methods of processing Acacia pods are either too technical, expensive or harmful to man and livestock, particularly when used wrongfully.…”