Nutritional Evaluation of Leaves Of Zizyphus In Goats

Twelve adult Barbarigoats were randomly distributed in three equal groups. Sundried leaves of Zizyphus jujuba, Znummularia and Z zyiopyrus were fed ad libitum to group I, II and III, respectively for 30 days and at the end 7 days metabolic trial was conducted. Proximate and cell wall composition of three species of Zizyphus were comparable except hemi-cellulose content which was low in zyiopyrus. the CP content was more in Z nummularia (12.60%) than Zjujuba (11.81%) and Z zyiopyrus (10.68%). The considerable amount of lignin, tannin and total phenol contents were present in these Zizyphus species and the highest content was observed in Zjujuba. The DMI was similar in the three groups of animals whereas, digestibility of DM was lower (P<0.05) in Zjujuba than Z nummularia and Z zyiopyrus. Similarly, CP, CF, NDF, ADF and hemi-cellulose digestibilities were also lower in Zjujuba. Nitrogen retention was significantly higher (P<0.05) in Z nummularia and Z zyiopyrus as compared to Zjujuba. Results revealed that Z nummularia and Z zyiopyrus were comparatively better than Zjujuba for feeding goats.