Nutritive Value of Miri (Sabia lanceolata) Leaves in Goat

Sabia lanceolata (locally known as miri) is abundantly available at the foothills of North Eastern states and small ruminants of this region are well adapted to the leaves of this plant In the present endeavor, miri leaves were fed to crossbred goat to evaluate its nutritive value. Six crossbred (Beetal x Assam local) goats (average body weight of 16.55±2.30 kg) were fed solely on miri leaves for 21 days during the monsoon season following which a digestibility trial was conducted. Chemical analysis revealed that the leaves were moderately rich in protein (12.20%) whereas tannin content is only 2.12%. The dry matter intake 3.1lkg/100kg body weight was clear indicative of higher palatability of miri leaves to goat DCP and TDN values of miri leaves were 7.70% and 54.05%, respectively. Thus the miri leaves can fulfil the maintenance requirement of goat.