Condensed tannin and hydrolysable tannin contents of commonly available forages for ruminants

Abstract

Condensed tannin (CT) and hydrolysable tannin (HT) content of commonly available forages in Tamil Nadu for ruminants feeding were estimated. Six samples each of sixteen commonly available forages were collected, dried and stored in airtight containers for analysis of condensed tannin and hydrolysable tannin contents. The levels of CT were not different between grasses/ shrubs and tree fodders. The levels of CT among grasses/ shrubs varied from 0.03 to 0.88% which was the highest in Stylosanthus scabra and lowest in Brachiaria mutica and Medicago sativa. Among tree fodders, the maximum CT was found in Acacia nilotica (1.07%) and the minimum CT was in Moringa olifera. Hydrolysable tannin contents were significantly (P<0.01) different between grasses/shrubs and tree fodders. Acacia nilotica (9.05%) had maximum HT and Gliricidia sepium (0.11%) had the minimum HT among tree fodders. In grass/ shrubs, the maximum and minimum content of HT was present in Sorghum vulgare (2.9%) and Pannicum maximum (0.02%) respectively. It was concluded that CT did not differ between grass/shrubs and tree fodders, whereas HT contents were higher in tree fodders.