Utilization of gmelina (Gmelina arborea Roxb.) leaves and fruits as feed for sheep (Ovis aries Linn.)

Three studies involving chemical analysis, in vitro and in vivo digestibility trials, and feeding trial to evaluate the feeding value of Gmelina (Gmelina arborea Roxb.) leaves and fruits of their mixture for sheep were conducted. Samples were analyzed for proximate components, calcium and phosphorus contents, detergent fiber components and for toxic factors tannic acid, hydrocyanic acid or prussic acid and coumarin. Twenty weanling sheep were randomly distributed to four dietary treatments, namely I-100% Paragrass (PG), 2, 3, and 4 - 50% PG and 50% of Gmelina leaves, fruits or equal mixture of leaves and fruits, respectively. Results of chemical and digestibility studies indicate that gmelina leaves were comparable to paragrass in terms of crude protein (12.6 and 10.0%) and slightly lower in total digestible nutrients (60 and 70%), respectively. Gmelina leaves contained adequate calcium and phosphorus as required by sheep. While gmelina fruits had the lowest protein content, it had the highest total digestible nutrient content. Gmelina contained non-toxic concentrations of tannic acid and coumarin as indicated by normal hematological values among sheep fed Gmelina. Results of the feeding trial showed significantly higher daily liveweight gain of sheep fed gmelina leaves (36 g/d) and better feed efficiency (14.5 kg/kg) compared with those fed paragrass (19 g/d and 37.7 kg/kg, respectively). Thus it can be concluded that the Gmelina tree, with its nutritious leaves and fruits, is a potential feed resource for sheep. As such, a Gmelina-sheep integrated farming promises to be viable economic enterprise