Nutritive Evaluation of Some Fodder Tree Species during the Dry Season in Central Sudan

A. Abdel Ati,J. Sekine,A. M. A. Fadel Elseed,K. Hamana,Khadiga Khadiga,M. Hishinuma,A. E. Amin

doi:10.5713/ajas.2002.844

Abstract

The potential nutritive value was studied on leaves of seven fodder trees in Central Sudan during dry season at two distinct periods, the early dry and the late. The chemical composition, mineral concentration, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), in situ OM or nitrogen degradability and estimated metabolizable energy showed a wide variation among fodder tree species and between different periods of the dry season. Crude protein (CP) ranged from 285 to 197 g/kg DM at early dry season, with a significant reduction in late dry season. Ziziphus spina-christi and Balanites aegyptiaca showed the least reduction in CP content. The NDF, ADF and lignin were about 200, 160 and 19 g/kg DM, respectively at the early period, and significantly increased at the late period of the dry season, except for lignin of Z. spina-christi. For mineral concentration, all fodder tree leaves were rich in calcium but poor in phosphorus. In situ OM degradability significantly decreased at the late period of dry season, but values remained as high as over 600 g/kg OM. At both periods, Z. spina-christi showed the highest value, while the lowest was recorded in Acacia seyal. The IVOMD showed a similar trend to those of in situ OM degradability, except for A. seyal. The nitrogen degradability was highest in B. aegyptiaca and lowest in Z. spina-christi at both periods. A significant and positive correlation had existed between CP and IVOMD or in situ OM degradability (r=0.68, p<0.05; r=0.77, p<0.05, respectively). Also, a significant but negative correlation was found between condensed tannins and nitrogen degradability (r=-0.87, p<0.01). Results demonstrated that Z. spina-christi potentially has a good nutritive value as dry season feed or supplement, while A. seyal tends to be less promising. A. nubica and B. aegyptiaca may be a useful source for degradable protein, even though it may have a limited supply of energy to animals. A. tortilis, A. mellifera and A. ehrenbergiana may have potential value for a supplementation of energy or protein, if they were harvested in the early dry season or in wet season as preserved feed. It is highly recommended to supplement with an appropriate amount of phosphorus when these fodder trees were used. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2002. Vol 15, No. 6 : 844-850)

Highlights

There are many areas in Sudan which are characterized by their dense population of livestock and one of these areas is the Butana
Mature leaves from 7 trees and shrubs species, Acacia tortilis, A. mellifera, A. seyal, A. ehernbergina, A. nubica, Ziziphus spina-chrisiti and Balanites aegyptiaca were collected during the dry season (October to June) at two distinct periods, that is, early dry and late dry
The contents of organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and condensed tannins were presented in table 1 for seven species of fodder tree leaves

Summary

Introduction

There are many areas in Sudan which are characterized by their dense population of livestock and one of these areas is the Butana. Animal keeping in the Butana is a major and most important source of income for the majority of the population. Over 70% of the total population are directly or indirectly engaged in livestock raising (Abu Sin, 1990). Natural pasture and crop residues contribute about 93%. Of the nutrient requirements for ruminants in Sudan, which are estimated to be over 120 million heads of cattle, sheep, goats and camels (FAO, 1998). The nutritive value of pasture and range in Sudan is greatly affected by seasonal changes. Elginaid (1997) mentioned that as long as the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Khartoum, P.O. Box

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