Nutritional Evaluation of Tree Leaves of Humid Subtropical Region of Himachal Pradesh

Tree leaves of fifteen species were analysed for their chemical composition, tannin content, IVDMD, IVDN and methane production. Some of the leaves such as biul (Grewia optica), dhurra (Ficus sp.), magar (Bambusa arundinacea), oee (Albizia stipulata) and robinia (Robinia pseudoacacia) were highly nutritious and comparable with commonly used green fodders. While kachnar (Bauhinia variegata) and jamun (Engenia jambolana) were nutritionally poor and match with cereal straws in terms of digestibility. Lignin content of the leaves varied from 6.15 to 14.40 per cent and had negative correlation with IVDMD (r = 0.-62*) and methane production (r = -0.77**). Tannin content of leaves also had negative correlation with IVDMD (r = -0.74**), IVDN (r = -0.73**) sand methane production (r = -0.56*). Methane production ranged from 17.3 to 30.6 L/kg DM and had positive correlation with digestible organic matter (r = 0.78**).