Comparative evaluation of fodder qualities in different parts of locally available moringa (Moringa oleifera) strains

Abstract

An experiment was conducted at ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal (Haryana) to generate precise information on nutritional qualities of leaves, twigs and leaves with twigs parts of Moringa oleifera strains. The samples were collected from 5 years old established moringa trees from research farm of NDRI, Karnal. Total six treatments were formed by using the two locally available moriga strains, i.e. Rajasthan local and Haryana local strain, and three types of samples obtained from each strain, i.e. leaves, tender green twigs and leaves with twigs. The treatments were replicated four times and statistically analyzed by using randomized block design (RBD). The results showed that highest value of crude protein, ether extract, total ash, digestible dry matter, relative feed value and net energy for lactation was found in leaves of Haryana local strain of moringa, however, leaves of Rajasthan local strain of moringa also recorded at par value of ether extract, total ash, digestible dry matter and net energy for lactation with leaves of Haryana local. Twigs of both Rajasthan and Haryana local strain of moringa recorded at par value of dry matter content, NDF and ADF.Further, highest value of P, S, Zn, Cu and Mn was found in leaves of Rajasthan local strain of moringa, whereas, highest value of N, Ca, Mg and Fe was found in leaves of Haryana local strain of moringa. However, leaves of both Rajasthan and Haryana local strain of moringa recorded at par values of P, S, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu and Mn.