Maturity dependent variation in composition and characteristics of potentially digestible tissues of leucena

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of cutting age on the production, chemical composition, degradation kinetics and anatomy of Leucena (Leucaena leucocephala). The experimental design was a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement 2x4 (two types of tissues and four cutting ages) for the production data of dry matter and 3x4 (three degrees of degrees of digestion of tissues and four cutting ages). Observed effect (P < 0.05) for the total production of DM of Leucena in function of different ages. The tissue types grain and non-grain showed maximum production at 70 days of age, with production of 2333,00 and 716.60 kg DM ha-1, respectively. The parameters of degradation of DM evaluated decreased significantly with the increase in the maturity of the plant, in the same way the chemical composition presented behavior inherent to the advance of age. The effective degradability DM also decreased with the increase in the rate of passage (2, 5, and 8% h-1). The highest rate of degradation (c) was obtained for 30 days. With the advance in plant maturity increases the proportion of vascular tissue lignificad influencing parameters of ruminal degradation of Leucena. The ages assessed influenced the chemical composition of the Leucena (P < 0.05), where the levels of dry matter, crude protein, acid detergent fiber and lignin and ash showed increasing linear behavior. The cutting age of 70 days offers an optimal point regarding the proportion of anatomical tissues correlated with the degradation and chemical composition of the Leucena.

Growth performance and cost-effectiveness of replacement of fishmeal with plant-based protein source, Leucaena leucocephala in the diet of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings

“…However, the present crude protein content is far from the 22.67-29.17% recorded by Adekojo et al (2014). The variations in crude protein content of Leucaena leaf meal as reported by different researchers could be attributed to the nutritional constituents of the soil on which the plant was grown, age of cultivars and the processing methods deployed before proximate composition analysis of the leaf meal (Ayssiwede et al 2010;Adekojo et al 2014;Figueredo et al 2019). According to Adekojo et al (2014), variations in proximate compositions of Leucaena leaf meal depend on the different processing methods, namely air-drying; soaking in fresh water at room temperature for 36 hours; soaking in hot water for 24 hours and fermenting for 5 days.…”

A Multipurpose Leguminous Plant for the Mediterranean Countries: Leucaena leucocephala as an Alternative Protein Source: A Review

“…For its high palatability, a digestibility between 50% and 70% [ 30 , 31 ], and its good nutritional value (22%−28% protein), Leucaena forage can be a valid feedstuff both for ruminants (cattle, sheep, and goats) [ 32 , 33 ] and for non-ruminants (pigs, rabbits, chickens, fish). Figueredo et al [ 34 ] reported a change in the chemical composition of the Leucaena forage in relation to the age of the cut. In particular, between 30 and 90 days of age, they detected a significant increase in dry matter (18.78% vs. 45.47%) and a significant decrease in protein (22.90% vs. 12.31%) and ash (6.09% vs. 3.67%) but constant values of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, hemicelluloses, cellulose, and lignin.…”

“…The high protein and β-carotene content, which make Leucaena comparable to alfalfa fodder ( Table 2 ), is accompanied by an amino acid composition like that of soy meal and fishmeal [ 33 ], quite rich in essential amino acids such as isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, and histidine. Leucaena fodder can be an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals, depending on the mineral availability of the soil [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 34 , 35 , 36 ], but it is generally deficient in sodium [ 30 , 32 , 34 ]. Not much data is available on the non-structural carbohydrates present in the leaves; Kale [ 37 ] reports the following composition: 18.6% total carbohydrates, 1% starch, 2.8% total oligosaccharides, 4.2% reducing sugars, 1.2% sucrose, and 0.6% raffinose.…”

Diversity, Succession and Seasonal Variation of Phylloplane Mycoflora of Leucaena leucocephala in Relation to Its Leaf Litter Decomposition

“…It is composed of a few essential amino acids such as leucine, isoleucine, histidine and phenylalanine. The fodder is also a rich source of phosphorus, calcium and a number of other minerals [ 24 , 26 , 27 , 28 ], despite its lack of sodium [ 25 , 26 ]. A combination of total carbohydrates: 18.6%; starch: 1%; total oligosaccharides: 2.8%; reducing sugars: 4.2%; sucrose: 1.2% and raffinose: 0.6% has been reported by Kale in Akingbade [ 29 ].…”