CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, MINERAL PROFILE, PALATABILTIY AND IN VITRO DIGESTIBILITY OF SHRUBS

This study determined the nutritive value of Indigoferra gerardiana, Marisine affricana, Impashion bicolor and Adhatoda vesica shrubs for ruminants. Chemical analysis revealed that dry matter (DM) content varied from 22.2% (Dodonia viscosa) to 33.6% (Debregeasia salicifolia). Maximum crude protein (19.8%) was observed for Anisomoles indica, while, neutral detergent fiber was greater (67%) in Dodonia viscosa. Lower acid detergent fiber (27%) and higher hemicellulose (32%) were observed for Desmodiem spp. and Anisomoles indica, respectively. Lignin contents varied between 4.9% (Desmodiem spp.) to 7.7% (Dodonia viscosa). The ash contents were higher (13.2%) in Debregeasia salicifolia than other species. The Ca, 0.62-1.3 %; P, 0.031-0.054 %; K, 0.6-1.03 %; Mg 7-41 ppm; Cu, 12.5-23 ppm; Zn, 2.3-48.7 ppm; Mn, 8-18 ppm and Co, 0.025-0.068 ppm were observed among shrub species. The Ca:P ratio in Debregeasia salicifolia, Anisomoles indica, Desmodiem spp. and Dodonia viscosa was much wider (32.5, 29.03, 13.78 and 17.19, respectively). Potential intake rate and relative preference as indicators of palatability were found higher (67.5 g/sheep/4min and 83.2%, respectively) for Debregeasia salicifolia, while, in vitro DM digestibility and metabilizable energy values were higher (61.2%, 9.54 MJ/kgDM, respectively) for Anisomoles indica. Based on chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and palatability, shrub species were ranked as Marisine affricana > Indigoferra gerardiana > Impashion bicolor > Adhatoda vesica for ruminants.