Abstract

DIAZ ECHEVERRIA, Víctor Francisco et al. Nutritional assessment and in vitro fermentation of tree foliage mixtures with cassava flour on sheep diets. Acta univ [online]. 2023, vol.33, e3558.  Epub Aug 14, 2023. ISSN 2007-9621.  https://doi.org/10.15174/au.2023.3558.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value of Panicum maximum diets supplemented with 30% tree foliage mixed with cassava (Manihot esculenta). Six treatments were compared: T0 (P. maximum), T1 (Leucaena leucocephala), T2 (Moringa oleifera), T3 (Tithonia diversifolia), T4 (Guazuma ulmifolia) y T5 (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis). Chemical composition, in vitro fermentation and digestibility, and volatile fatty acids (VFA) production were determined. The data was analyzed with an analysis of variance. Crude protein fluctuated from 8.34% to 11.70%, and fermentation and dry matter digestibility increased (up to 38.23% and 18.23%, respectively) (p < 0.05) with T5, T2, T1, and T3. Furthermore, T5 and T2 increased (p < 0.001) propionic acid, and T1 and T3 increased butyric acid. It is concluded that the addition of H. rosa-sinensis, M. oleifera, L. leucocephala, and T. diversifolia improve the VFA profile, fermentation, and digestibility of the diet.

Keywords : Ruminants; supplementation; digestibility; tropics.

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