Variability in the Nutritional Value of Siratro Germplasm*

Forteen genotypes of siratro were evaluated for crude protein, cell wall constituents, phenolics, tannins and in vitro dry matter digestibility. The CP content varied from 16.75 to 24.55 per cent among the different genotypes. Genotypes differed by 10 units in respect of NDF and ADF contents. Cellulose and lignin contents ranged between 14.42 to 26.82 and 5.82 to 9.17 per cent, respectively. The condensed tannins and phenolics varied in the range of 0.74 to 1.80 and 1.25 to 4.0 per cent among the genotypes, respectively. In vitro dry matter digestibility ranged between 37.07 to 56.03 per cent in various genotypes. DL 96-2, -3, -11, -13 and -14 contained relatively higher CP, total phenolics, lower cell wall contents/fractions and higher IVDMD values as compared to others.