Interspecies differences and variability with time of protein precipitation activity of extractable tannins, crude protein, ash, and dry matter content of leaves from 13 species of Nepalese fodder trees

Abstract

Dry matter, ash, crude protein, and protein precipitation activity (PPA) of 13 Nepalese tree fodder species were monitored in dried samples prepared monthly between November 1990 and May 1991, and additionally in November 1991, covering the season when they are particularly important as fodder. Monthly levels of dry matter, ash, and crude protein were fairly stable except when there was new leaf growth, although year to year differences in dry matter were found inBrassaiopsis hainla (Bh),Dendrocalamus strictus (Ds),Ficus roxburghii (Fr), andQuercus semecarpifolia (Qs). Tannin PPA fluctuated considerably inArtocarpus lakoocha (Al),Ficus glaberrima (Fg),F. nerrifolia (Fn), Fr,F. semicordata (Fs),Litsea polyantha (Lp), andPrunus cerasoides (Pc), and to a lesser extent in Bh,Castanopsis indica (Ci),C. tribuloides (Ct),Quercus lamellosa (Ql), and Qs. Similar fluctuations in PPA were observed in fresh leaf samples taken weekly. Ds did not have any detectable PPA. Trends in PPA fluctuation were generally similar for trees located at similar altitudes. Fr, Pc, Al, Fn, Ql, and Ci had falling PPAs before shedding leaves. Some of the fluctuations in Fr, Fs, Fg, Pc, and Lp were apparently due to changes in the extractability and quantity of condensed tannins. These fluctuations in PPA may affect the nutritive value of the fodders.

Evaluation of Selected Species of Fodder Trees Cultivated for Feeding Ruminant Animals in the Hills of Nepal

“…The DM content was higher for BP (P < 0.05) than AL and FR, but there was no difference (P > 0.05) between the other species of tree fodders. The values were comparable to the earlier reports for the same species of tree fodder harvested at similar times of the year (Khanal and Subba 2001, Throne et al 1999, Wood et al 1994. The DM content would increase with the increasing maturity, which was probably another reason why it is higher for BP that was approaching fruit bearing stage.…”

“…While leaves and twigs were included in the current study to represent the actual feeding practices of the farmers, it was only the leaves that were used to determine CP content previously (Khanal and Subba 2001). Time of harvest also affect the CP content with the same species of tree fodder varying in CP content by about 30 to 40% when harvested at different times of the year (Topps 1992, Wood et al 1994. Nonetheless, all of them could be regarded to have medium CP content, which could make a valuable source of protein for ruminants.…”

The effect of drying treatment on the fodder quality and tannin content of two provenances ofCalliandra calothyrsus Meissner

“…In addition to the investigation of CT composition and content using their reaction with butanol/HCl, protein precipitation activity was estimated by the radial diffusion method of Hagerman,23 modified by substituting bovine haemoglobin (Sigma‐Aldrich, Poole, UK) for bovine serum albumin to make the rings more clearly visible 24. Petri dishes were prepared with agarose gel (1% w/v) containing 0.1% haemoglobin.…”

Value Addition of Feed and Fodder by Alleviating the Antinutritional Effects of Tannins

“…A study in the middle hills (900-2,000 m altitude) in eastern Nepal identified 14 major fodder tree species used principally in the winter and dry seasons (November-June) to supplement crop residues in ruminant feeds. In this region, tanniniferous tree fodder contributed over 15 % of the dry matter and over 20 % of the crude protein to the diet, but actual usage on individual farms varied depending on the ethnic and social group of the farmers, possible as a result of different livestock holdings and opportunities for planting trees [76,205,212,223].…”