ARCHIVES
VOL. 12, ISSUE 11 (2025)
Assessing the potential of Calotropis gigantea leaves as ruminant feed: Based on the nutrient content
Authors
Tarsono, Andi L Amar, Mulyati P, Mustaring, Syahrir, Aini A Amar
Abstract
This study was conducted to assess the
acceptability of the leaves of Calotropis gigantea as feed for
ruminants. Its acceptability is assessed by the
nutrient content of the leaves, and discussed in comparison to other
fodders that have been widely known and used in ruminants, either basal diet or
supplementary feed. The study was undertaken in Tondo Village,
Palu Valey, Sulawesi Tengah, Indonesia. Leaf samples were taken from three
sampling sites, with three sampling plants as replicates. Each sample consists
of all developed leaves of an entire sampling plant. All the collected samples
were individually marked and dried under the sun to gain air-dry samples, then
proceeded the procedure to lab analyses. The concerned nutrients are organic
matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), fat/ether extract (EE), ash
(total mineral), nitrogen-free extract (NFE), and two macro minerals (Ca &
P), all on a percent of dry matter basis (% DM). Each nutrient parameter was
statistically analysed by Analysis of Variance using the software of Satistix
10, and the mean value was obtained from sampling sites' comparison at 0.95
confidence level of the least significant differences (LSD). Results show there
were some differences attributes between sites of collection, such as CP, CF,
NFE, and the minerals. The mean values of each nutrient parameter (%
DM) are as follows: OM, CP, EE, CF, NFE, ash, and the minerals calcium and
phosphorus, which are recorded as 79.65; 23.43; 4.03; 10.47; 41.71; 20.35;
1.86, and 0.50, respectively, with the calcium to phosphorus ratio exhibiting a
range from 7.59:1 to 2.80:1.The conclusions are: i)
leaves of C. gigantea have potentially been used as a good fodder for
ruminants; ii) Since NFE is not a result of lab analyses, It is only a
subtraction of 100 DM with the sum of CP, EE, CF, and ash; therefore, it is
needed to be determined in energy value, as well as on the potential digestible
part of CF as a carbohydrate energy source for animals; and iii) individual
minerals are necessarily to be identified to confirm the potential as a rich
mineral source feed.
Download
Pages:37-43
How to cite this article:
Tarsono, Andi L Amar, Mulyati P, Mustaring, Syahrir, Aini A Amar "Assessing the potential of Calotropis gigantea leaves as ruminant feed: Based on the nutrient content". International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, Vol 12, Issue 11, 2025, Pages 37-43
Download Author Certificate
Please enter the email address corresponding to this article submission to download your certificate.