Comparative nutritional evaluation of the leaves of Bambusa balcooa (Beema) and Oxytenanthera abyssinica (A. Rich.) Munro bamboos, and the straws of AGRA and AMANKWATIA rice varieties

Abstract

Abstract [Figure: see text]In this study, the chemical and nutritional characteristics of the leaves of Bambusa balcooa and Oxytenanthera abyssinica bamboos, and the straws of AGRA and Amankwatia rice varieties were evaluated using three analytical methods; proximate analysis, detergent fiber analysis and in vitro gas production. Data were analyzed using General Linear Model procedures in Minitab Statistical Software at a 5% significant level. Results showed that the leaves of B. balcooa had the highest (P < 0.05) levels of dry matter (~925 gkg−1), ash (~179 gkg−1DM), and dry matter intake (~2.3%). The leaves of O. abyssinica had the highest levels of organic matter (~879 gkg−1DM) and crude protein (~128 gkg−1DM). AGRA rice straw recorded the maximum (P < 0.05) level of crude fiber (~283 gkg−1DM) and neutral detergent fiber (~590 gkg−1DM). The highest (P < 0.05) gas production (~10.2 mL) and fermentable fraction (~10.5 mL) were recorded for O. abyssinica, at a rate of 0.067 mLh−1. The results further showed a strong negative correlation between crude protein and fiber fractions of the feeds (r = - 0.959 to − 0.977, P < 0.001) but a strong positive correlation with organic matter digestibility (r = 0.722, P < 0.001), energy levels (r = 0.886 to 0.922, P < 0.001), and in vitro gas production (r = 0.897 to 0.881, P < 0.001). In conclusion, all the feeds exhibited promising nutritional characteristics and their inclusion in the ration as mix feeds could enhance the bulk and nitrogen content.

Keywords

• Dry season
• forage supply
• bamboo leaves
• rice straws
• nutritional evaluation