Plane of Nutrition and Microbial Protein Synthesis in Ruminants fed Condensed Tannins Protected Protein

This study examined the effects of dietary supplementation of condensed tannins throughFicus infectoria leaves on the plane of nutrition and microbial protein synthesis of lambs and crossbred cows. Twelve lambs/cows were randomly divided into two groups of six each in a completely randomized design to receive either a conventional supplement (CT-0) or experimental supplement (CT-1.5) containing 0 and 1.5% condensed tannins (CT), respectively by replacement of wheat bran of supplement CT-0 with ground tree leaves of Ficus infectoria to meet their nutritional requirements. The supplementation of CT @ 1.5 per cent in the supplement did not have any detrimental effect on nutrient intake for both the species. Except for DCP, which fell short (13–18%) of the requirement in lambs, all the animals had enough nutrient intake (DOM and TDN) irrespective of species to meet the requirements. The nutrient density in terms of digestible crude protein (DCP) and total digestible (TDN) values of the composite diets were also comparable between the dietary treatments. The urinary excretion of purine derivatives, microbial nitrogen supply and efficiency of microbial N synthesis did not differ following supplementation of F. infectoria leaves in both lambs and cows. Thus, the replacement of wheat bran with Ficus infectoria leaves in the supplements containing 1.5 per cent CT did not have any adverse effect on bio-availability of nutrients in the gastro intestinal tract, plane of nutrition and microbial protein synthesis of lambs and crossbred cows. It may be concluded that Ficus infectoria leaves could be strategically utilized in practical diets of ruminants for economic animal production without affecting intake and nutrient utilization.