Process of Making Nevaro (Ficus Hookerii) Hay and its Nutritive Value for Goats

Nevaro (Ficus hookerii) tree leaves were converted into hay and total DM losses during this process was 12.57% of which mechanical shattering accounted for the major portion. The proximate composition of nevaro hay was: OM-88.45%, CP-11.90%, CF-16.85%, NFE-52.85%, EE-6.85%, TA-11.55%, IA-3.62%, Ca-3.32% and P-0.17% which did not vary much from that of fresh nevaro leaves. The hay was quite palatable to goats with a DM intake of 3.01±0.54% of B.Wt. The goats consumed 64.5 g DM, 1.74 g DCP and 36 g TDN per kg W^0.75. Nevaro hay contained 2.69% DCP, 55.82% TDN and 49.40% SE and possessed a wide nutritive ratio of 19.75: 1.00. Positive balances of N, Ca and P and palatability test indicated that nevaro hay can be used as a sole roughage for the maintenance of adult goats.