Nutritional and anti-nutritional components of some un-conventional feeds

Abstract

Nutritive value in leaves of some tree species (Melia azesarach, Pinus halepansis, Eucaliptus camaldulensis, Acacia ampliceps, Elaeagnus angustifolia, Casuarina  equisetifolia, Sesbania aculeate, Schinus molle, Olea europea) and agricultural by-products was determined by estimating their chemical composition, cell wall, nitrogen solubility, and anti-nutritional components. Crude protein values ranged from 43 to 234 g/kg DM, with E. angustifolia leaves having the highest value and sunflower seed shells the lowest. The highest (P < 0.05) value of nitrogen solubility was obtained for leaves of M. azedarach (53%) and E. angustifolia (44%). Crushed date palm kernels had high (P < 0.05) contents (g/kg DM) of total carbohydrates (878), cellulose (441) and hemicellulose (280) and low contents of  lignin (25), and therefore could be used as an energy-rich feed supplement for ruminants. Removal of wood from olive cake to obtain olive cake pulp increased the crude protein, total carbohydrates and cellulose and decreased the cell wall constituents. The highest values (41-84 g/kg DM) of tannins were noted in tree leaves of C. equistifolia, A. ambiceps, E. camaldulensis, S. molle, S. aculeate and P. halepansis. Crude protein, total carbohydrates, total phenols, buffer-soluble nitrogen and tannins were negatively correlated with cell wall constituents. Nitrogen solubility in leaves of the studied tree species was negatively correlated with total phenols and tannins. Leaves of the studied tree species (except of P. halepansis), olive cake pulp, olive tree pruning branches and leaves of olive oil extraction are suitable as protein feed supplements for ruminants in arid and semi-arid regions.