Total phenolics, non-tannin phenolics and total tannin content of commonly available forages for ruminants in Tamil Nadu

The total phenolics, non tannin phenolics and total tannin content of sixteen commonly available forages in Tamil Nadu for feeding ruminants were analyzed. A highly significant (p<0.01) difference was observed between forages and shrubs/tree fodders (foliages). Among forages the highest total phenolics was present in Sorghum vulgare (4.63%) and lowest in Cynodon dactylon (0.72%). In tree fodders, the highest total phenolic was observed in Acacia nilotica (10.96%). In forages, the maximum non-tannin phenolics were recorded in Brachiaria mutica (2.25%) and the minimum in Stylosanthes scabra (0.54%). Among tree fodders, Moringa oleifera had the highest (1.23%) non-tannin phenolics and Albezia lebback had the lowest (0.41%) level. Highest total tannin was present in Sorghum vulgare (3.18%) and lowest in Panicum maximum (0.08%) within forages. Among tree fodders, Acacia nilotica (10.12%) had highest tannin content.