Abstract

SANCHEZ-SANTILLAN, Paulino et al. In vitro fermentative characteristics and chemical quality of calf diets with increased inclusions of Moringa oleifera pods and leaves. Cienc. Tecnol. Agropecuaria [online]. 2022, vol.23, n.3, e2685.  Epub Oct 30, 2022. ISSN 0122-8706.  https://doi.org/10.21930/rcta.vol23_num3_art:2685.

Legume leaves and pods are an alternative feed for ruminants in the tropics. The goal of this study was to determine the chemical quality and in vitro fermentative characteristics of Moringa oleifera pods and leaves, with inclusions of 0 %, 10 %, 20 % and 30 % in a complete diet for calves of 200 kg live weight. Dry matter (dm), crude protein (cp), neutral detergent fiber (ndf), cumulative gas and methane production, dm degradation (dmd) and ndf (ndfd) were determined from the leaves, pods and diets. The variables were analyzed using a completely randomized design (10 replicates). The leaf quantified 229.4, 465.8 and 204.0 g/kg dm, ndfand cp. As well as 662.3 and 688.9 g/kg dm of dmd and ndfd (P < 0.05). The diet with 10% M. oleifera leaf presented 824.9 and 725.5 g/kg dm of dmd and ndfd; as well as 167 and 58 ml/g dmof gas and methane. In conclusion, M. oleifera leaf shows better chemical and fermentative characteristics in vitro and up to 30% M. oleifera leaf can be included in whole-calf diets for calves of 200 kg live weight.

Keywords : cattle; degradation; gas production; plant protein; tropics.

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