Abstract
The nutritional value of kudzu (Pueraria lobata) was evaluated as a potential animal feed. Randomly selected samples from natural habitats with Jacksonville area (Alabama, USA) were utilized in the study. Kudzu leaves showed significantly higher dry matter and crude protein content than the stems; whereas, ADF fiber was significantly lower in the leaves. However, NDF and total digestible nutrients (TDN) were similar in the leaves and the stems. The leaf part of kudzu was especially rich in CP (24.46%) and met the requirements and recommendations for most ruminants. The TDN value for kudzu stem is 55.99%, which falls below but within the recommended range. Macronutrients concentration between the stem and leaf of kudzu, nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium showed a significantly higher in the leaf than the stem. However, phosphorous was similar in concentration in the stem and the leaf, and potassium was higher in the stem. In regard to the micronutrients, the only significant difference between the leaf and the stem was iron. However, iron, manganese, zinc, and copper were all above the recommended concentrations by the National Research Council. In general, kudzu can be considered a good source for animal feed, especially the leaf, which shows a higher value in most of the determined criteria in comparison to what was recommended by the National Research Council. This should provide a new outlook to kudzu, which has been considered a noxious weed and help in the utilization of kudzu in a positive way in the southern region of the US.
Highlights
Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) is a rapidly growing, high climbing perineal legume vine native to Japan [1]
Kudzu leaves showed significantly higher dry matter and crude protein content than the stems; whereas, Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) fiber was significantly lower in the leaves (Table 1)
As the lignin component increases with maturity, ADF increases and the digestibility and quality of the forage decrease
Summary
Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) is a rapidly growing, high climbing perineal legume vine native to Japan [1]. (2016) Kudzu Forage Quality Evaluation as an Animal Feed Source. Kudzu has the potential to grow at a rate of 29 to 30 meters per growing season [3]. Kudzu is a hardy plant with potential to grow even under adverse conditions such as eroded soil, low fertility, low pH and poor water holding capacity [5]. Kudzu can control soil erosion and enhance soil fertility through nitrogen fixation [6] It was originally established in the southern states of the US to prevent soil erosion [7]. Kudzu may have the potential to be a low-input forage crop in the south-eastern United States, for use as supplement during periods of drought or in late summer and early autumn when the quality of warm-season grasses is reduced [8]. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutrition value of kudzu as an animal feed
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