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Apr 30, 2023Keywords:
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Main Article Content
Nutrient Composition, Phytochemical Properties and In Vitro Gas Fermentation Assessment of Some Selected Legume Forage Seeds that can be utilized by Ruminants
Abstract
A total number of seven legume seeds (Senna hirsuta, Senna obtusifolia, Senna occidentalis, Pueraria phaseoloides, Tephrosia bracteolate, Centrosema pubescence and Mucuna pruriens) that could be utilised in ruminants feed were investigated for their nutrient composition, phytochemical properties and in vitro gas fermentation assessment study. The seeds were collected within the University environment and each one served as a treatment (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 and T7). Then samples were dried and milled for laboratory analysis to determine nutrient composition, phytochemical properties and in vitro gas fermentation assessment using standard technique. The results of chemical composition (proximate, fibre fractions, minerals and phytochemicals) varied significantly across the treatments. Crude protein (CP), Ash and crude fibre (CF) varied significantly (P<0.05) from 16.06% to 35.77%, 9.35% to 13.66% and 15.47% to 22.59% respectively. Similarly, fibre fractions such as Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF, Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF), Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL), hemicellulose and cellulose also differed significantly (P<0.05) across the board. Minerals composition such as calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P), magnesium (Mg) copper (Cu), potassium (K), sodium (Na), sulphur, (S) manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) and phytochemicals (tannin, phytate, phenol, saponin, oxalate alkaloids and lectin) were also varied significantly (P<0.05). In vitro gas fermentation parameters methane (CH4) production, Total Gas Volume (TGV), Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA), Metabolisable Energy (ME), Dry Matter Digestibility (DMD %), Organic Matter Digestibility (OMD %) and Fermentation Efficiency (FE) were significantly (P<0.05) different across the treatments. The results of the chemical composition of selected legume seeds showed that crude protein and ash content were on the high side while crude fibre was relatively low. Also, the protein contents of all the selected legume seeds were enough to support and enhance growth, reproduction and milk production in dairy animals if properly processed. In vitro gas fermentation assessment revealed that ME and SCFA were relatively high an indication that the energy would be available to the animals when fed. Moreover, CH4 production of legume seeds was relatively low which indicated that the seed was environmentally friendly in terms of global warming and climate change due to CH4 emission and other contributory factors and more energy would be available to ruminants to utilize efficiently.
