Effect of feeding mixed silage of oat fodder and jamun leaves on nutrient utilization in goats

Abstract

Protein is often poorly utilized by ruminants from fodders harvested for silage making, because of the extensive hydrolysis of NPN compounds occur during wilting and storage (Muck et al. 2003). This result increases the excretion of N into the environment, which may cause environmental pollution in intensive ruminant livestock production (Tamminga 1992). Tannins are secondary plant metabolites that react with proteins, making them resistant to breakdown by proteases (Cavallarin et al. 2002) and can be used as chemical binder to reduce protein degradation. Top foliages contain tannins (Singh et al. 2009, Barman and Rai 2008) and can be used to reduce protein degradation during ensiling. In the present study, silage was prepared using oat fodder (Avena sativa) alone and in combination with jamun tree leaves (Eugenia jambolana) to observe its effect on nutrient utilization in adult male goats.