Nutritional evaluation of peepal leaves in barbari kids

The leaves of peepal (Ficus religiosa) had 36.3, 83.5, 9.3, 2.9, 26.1, 45.3, 71.3, 16.6, 47.6, 33.1, 52.5, 14.4, 2.4, 0.22, 1.46 and 0.57% DM, OM, CP, EE, CF, NFE, T-CHO, Total ash, NDF, ADF, Cell Contents, Hemicellulose, Ca, P, tannin and oxalate content respectively, on DM basis. Nutritive value of peepal leaves was determined by feeding to six growing Barbari kids. The leaves were quite palatable as indicated by DM intake (4.20 kg/100 kg BW). The digestion coefficients of DM, CP, EE, NFE, OM and T-CHO were 52.4, 55.3, 30.8, 49.2, 63.4, 51.6 and 54.3%, respectively. All the animals were in positive N, Ca and P balance. The DCP, TDN and starch equivalent values were 5.12, 48.63 and 48.07%, respectively. Haematological and biochemical parameters did not change due to experimental feeding. It was concluded that peepal leaves could serves as a good fodder for maintenance in growing kids without any deleterious effect on health.