Effect of processing methods on the degradability of rattle box (Crotalaria retusa) plant in Yankasa rams

Abstract

Crotalaria as a feed has great ability to serve as a source of energy and protein in dry season feeding due to the fact that it has good crude protein content comparable to other well-known forage legumes. The study was designed to evaluate the nutritive compositions of Crotalaria retusa leaves subjected to various processing. The processing methods that the crotalaria leaves were subjected to include: sun drying, oven drying, shade drying and fresh, and thereafter, the chemical analysis of the variously processed leaves was determined. Similarly, the rumen degradation was determined. The results showed a significant difference in the fresh leaves for all the parameters determined. Dry matter degradability showed a general increase with increase in the incubation time, and there was also a general decrease in passage rate with increase in outflow rate (‘k’ value). Sun drying reduces the protein content for ruminant use as such Crotalaria can serve as a source of protein for ruminants especially in dry season when there is scarcity of protein sources for ruminants.