In vitro evaluation of utilizable crude protein using ruminal fluid in leaves, whole and seeds-removed pods of Moringa stenopetala and Moringa oleifera grown in the rift valley of Ethiopia

Abstract

The prime objective of this study was to evaluate the effective utilizable crude protein (uCP) in leaves, whole and seeds-removed pods of Moringa stenopetala and Moringa oleifera using ruminal fluid in vitro. Samples were analyzed for proximate nutrients using official methods. The metabolizable energy (ME), organic matter digestibility (OMD), short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and effective uCP were estimated using the Hohenheim in vitro gas test method. The CP contents (g/kg DM) ranged from 104 in seeds-removed pods to 289 in leaves of M. oleifera. The highest gross energy (MJ/kg DM) was obtained from whole pods (18.0) and the lowest from leaves (16.8) of M. oleifera. Leaves and seeds-removed pods of M. stenopetala had significantly (p<0.05) high gas volume, ME, OMD and SCFA than those of M. oleifera. Average effective uCP was 164 and 192 g/kg DM for leaves and 141 and 130 g/kg DM for whole pods of M. stenopetala and M. oleifera, respectively. In seeds-removed pods, average values of effective uCP were 118 and 84.7 g/kg DM for M. stenopetala and M. oleifera, respectively. This study suggested that leaves and pods could be used as alternative protein and energy sources for ruminants during dry periods in the tropics. We recommend further studies on anti-nutritional factors of green pod feed materials.

Key words: In vitro gas production; Leaves; Rift valley; Seeds-removed pods; Utilizable crude protein; Whole pods