HOME JOURNALS CONTACT

Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances

Using Treated Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) Leaves as Supplements to Thai Brahman Cattle Giving a Basal Diet of Rice Straw
T. Jetana, C. Vongpipatana, S. Usawang and S. Sophon

Abstract: Four male Thai Brahman cattle (261±3.2 kg; 24-36 months old) were fed rice straw as a basal diet and Leucaena treated in one of three methods: untreated (control), Leucaena treated with NaOH solution, Leucaena+PEG (Poly Ethylene Glycol). Using Leucaena treated with NaOH solution as a supplement improved (p<0.05) fibre digestion but N-balance reduced (p<0.05). Whilst N-balance, N-digestibility and fibre increased (p<0.05) but Dry Matter (DM) digestibility decreased (p<0.05) when animals supplemented with Leucaena+PEG. The effect of Condensed Tannins (CT) in Leucaena depends on the treatment of Leucaena, NaOH solution and PEG. Using NaOH solution treatment is potentially beneficial for improving fibre digestion but N-balance was reduced. However, adding PEG beneficial for improving fibre digestion, N-balance and N-digestion but DM digestion decreased.

How to cite this article
T. Jetana, C. Vongpipatana, S. Usawang and S. Sophon, 2011. Using Treated Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) Leaves as Supplements to Thai Brahman Cattle Giving a Basal Diet of Rice Straw. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 10: 1054-1060.

© Medwell Journals. All Rights Reserved