Fodder Potential and Acceptability of Selected Tree Leaves by Goats

Fodder potential and acceptability of foliages of six selected trees, Afzelia africana, Daniellia oliveri, Acacia seyal, Entada africana, Pterocarpus erinaceus and Securnega virosa, by 12 Red Sokoto bucks (9.8±0.36 kg BW) was determined using cafeteria method in a completely randomized design. Whereas DM, ash, cellulose, NDF, ADF and condensed tannins (CT) were highest in Entada africana, OM, non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) and ADL were lowest in the forage. Crude protein and ether extract (EE), and total carbohydrate and phytate were highest and lowest, respectively, in Afzelia africana. Hemicellulose was lowest in Securunega virosa. Intake of DM (g/d and % BW) and relative preference index (RPI) were significantly (P<0.05) lower for Entada africana compared to other tree fodders. Preference ranking followed this order: Afzelia africana > Securunega virosa > Acacia seyal > Daniellia oliveri > Pterocapus erinaceus > Entada africana. The OM digestibility, digestible organic matter and metabolizable energy (ME) were similar (P>0.05) among tree leaves, while ME intake varied significantly (P<0.05). Relative preference index was negatively correlated to DM (r=-0.23, P=0.656), NDF (r= -0.59, P=0.214), ADF (r=-0.34, P=0.505) and phytate (r=-0.09, P=0.865) but positively related to CP (r=0.41, P=0.425), EE (r=0.69, P=0.131) and OM (r=0.53, P=0.283). The CT had a significant negative relationship (r=-0.96, P<0.002) with RPI. Results show that all browse plants are potentially valuable for dry season feeding and as protein and energy supplements.