Animals (Nov 2023)

In Vitro Evaluation of Potentially Edible Brazilian Trees and Shrubs in Ruminant Nutrition

  • Jozivaldo Prudêncio Gomes de Morais,
  • Mariana Campana,
  • Pablo Gregorini,
  • Thainá Moreira Garcia,
  • Júlia Franco de Aguiar Minussi,
  • Stela Naetzold Pereira,
  • Fabiellen Cristina Pereira,
  • Tiago Antonio Del Valle

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13233703
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 23
p. 3703

Abstract

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The present study aims to evaluate the nutritional value of different tree and shrub leaves in Brazilian ruminant production systems. Eight potentially edible trees and shrubs were identified from interviews with 30 ruminant producers: Aroeira (ARO; Lithraea molleoides), Black Mulberry (BMU; Morus nigra), Candeia (CAN; Eremanthus erythropappus), Jatobá (JAT; Hymenaea courbaril), Gliricídia (GLI; Gliricidia sepium), Santa Bárbara tree (SBT; Mélia azedarach), Tithonia (TIT; Tithonia diversifolia), and White Mulberry (WMU; Morus alba). Four leaf samples of each edible tree were sampled, and chemical analyses and in vitro assays were performed. Edible trees (except CAN and JAT) had lower neutral detergent fiber content than Mombasa grass. In addition, SBT, BMU, WMU, and TIT had lower fiber content than the other evaluated edible trees. Consequently, SBT, TIT, BMU, and WMU had improved dry matter degradation. Among the edible trees and shrubs, SMW and WMU increased the potential for gas production (a parameter). On the other hand, CAN decreased the estimated gas production 48 h after incubation. Furthermore, TIT decreased methane production up to 24 h after in vitro fermentation. Thus, except ARO, CAN, and JAT, the edible trees evaluated in the present study are potential feeds in moderate- to high-producing animals. Additionally, TIT fermentation reduces in vitro methane production.

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