Effect of Level and Nature of Tannins in Tree Leaves on Feed Intake and Digestibility of Nutrients in Goats

The effect of level and nature of tannins in commonly fed tree leaves on nutrient utilization in goats was investigated using four tree leaves viz. subabul (Leucaena leucocephala), jack (Artocarpus heterophyllus), venga (Pterocarpus marsupium) and banana (Musa paradiosiaca). The total tannin content in the leaves varied from 3.7 to 5.5 per cent with predominance of condensed tannins. The average dry matter consumption was higher (P<0.05) in goats fed jack and subabul leaves compared to other two leaves. The nutritient digestibility was higher in goats fed with banana leaves with lowest level of total and condensed tannins. All the animals maintained positive balance for nitrogen and calcium, while the phosphorus balance was negative in goats fed subabul and venga leaves. The results indicate that even a level of upto 5.5 per cent of total tannins and 3.4 per cent of condensed tannins in tree leaves does not exert any deleterious effect on the feed consumption and nutrient utilization in goats.