In vitro gas production and dry matter digestibility of semi-arid browses of north-eastern Nigerialk

Abstract

The in vitro gas production of semi-arid browse species were evaluated. The relationship between in vitro gas measured on incubation of tannin-containing browses in buffered rumen fluid and calculated from short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production was investigated. Crude protein (CP) contents in the browses ranged from 138.50 to 166.50 g.kg-1 dry matter (DM). The NDF, ADF and ADL were 373.00 to 512.00, 162.00 to 419.00, and 49.00 to 127.00 g.kg-1 DM respectively. Total condensed tannin (TCT) ranged from 0.15 to 0.39 mg/g DM. The TCT significantly correlated with gas production (r = 0.99; P < 0.05). A strong correlation (R2 = 0.99; P< 0.05) was observed between measured in vitro gas production and that calculated from SCFA. The relationship between in vitro gas measured on incubation of browse leaves and that calculated from SCFA allows prediction of SCFA from gas production. The studies showed that the leaves of the browse forages had nutritive value and therefore, may serve as potential supplements for ruminants in Nigeria.