Melia dubia Cav. leaf fodder in-vitro ruminal fermentation and metabolizable energy vary with provenance and season

Abstract

Cueing the shortage of green fodder, especially during lean periods and other inadequacies in the animal feed fodder sector and despite an array of tree foliage being used traditionally and advocated scientifically, there is a need to explore more multipurpose fodder species with higher digestibility for inclusion in livestock rations. The present study analyzed Melia dubia leaf fodder in-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), in-vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), in-vitro gas production (IVGP) and metabolizable energy (ME@24 hours) and to ascertain variation across provenance and seasons (winter and summer). Study revealed significant variation (p ≤0.05) in IVDMD (47.74–64.97%), IVOMD (86.97–89.88%), and ME (1.35–1.83 kcal) among selected provenances. Leaf fodder of Ahwa (P8) showed higher IVDMD, and higher IVOMD was of Kaprada (P4), whereas the highest IVGP, after 24 hours, was for Chichinagawtha (P6) provenance leaf fodder. IVGP ranged from 24.37 to 38.95 mL @ 24 hours. Further, IVDMD and IVOMD were significantly higher (63.47 and 90.13%, respectively) for winter season fodder compared to summer. Whereas summer season leaf fodder recorded significantly maximum IVGP (35.69 mL, at 24 hours) and ME (1.73 kcal @ 24 hours) and compared to winter fodder. Results revealed that IVGP gradually increased up to 24 hours and then decreased till 92 hours. The interaction effect due to provenance and season for IVDMD, IVOMD, IVGP and ME was also significantly different. Studied indicated that M. dubia leaf fodder digestibility attributes are comparable with many other family tree species, as corroborated by available published data, commonly fed to ruminants and livestock. Thus, the study illustrated that M. dubia leaf fodder has good digestibility and can be used as an alternate top feed fodder source to livestock during the winter season.