Evaluation of Balanite aegyptiaca: leaves, seed kernel cake, fruit coat and flesh as ruminants feed

Abstract EN

The study aimed to evaluate the nutritive value of Balanite aegyptiaca leaves, different fruit parts viz.

coat, flesh and it's industrial by product seed kernel cake.

Chemical composition and in situ dry matter and crude protein degradability were determined.

Samples were incubated in rumen for 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hrs using three fistulated steers.

Significant variation (P<0.05) were observed in the chemical composition among the leaves, fruit coat, fruit flesh, and seed cake.

The seed cake showed the highest crude protein and ash content and lowest crude fibre content.

The highest value of nitrogen free extract and ether extract were recorded in the flesh.

The fastest dry matter and crude protein degradability were observed in the flesh and the lowest was in the coat.

The information provided by this study could be useful in planning for ruminants feeding especially during the dry season.