Forage evaluation of Berberis baluchistanica used as fodder

This study was conducted to evaluate the mineral concentration, nutritional and anti-nutritional contents of the leaf of Berbaris baluchistanica. It is commonly used as a forage plant and is found in the high altitude areas of Quetta district. Samples of forage were collected during the year 2004-2005 through all four seasons. Mineral contents, crude protein, crude fiber and phenolics were estimated quantitatively. The metabolic effects of this plant were checked by feeding it to sheep. Its epidermal morphology (both surfaces) was used to check the adulterants. It has predominantly animosity type of stomata with some of the anisocytic type. High phosphorus in foliage 0.58%, calcium 0.39%, Sodium 0.04%, Potassium 0.62% was found in spring season, while more Iron 0.05% was found in summer and autumn season. Maximum Phenolic content (1.7%), crude protein content (19.35%), crude fiber content (26.3%), carbohydrate content (10%) and medium gross energy 5.2 Macl/Kg DM were found in the autumn season. All these values gradually increased from spring to summer and reached their maximum in autumn. Significant increase (P less than 0.05), in the mineral and nutritional concentrations were found in this season. Various concentration of phenolics in different seasons were recorded which increased with the maturity of plants. B. baluchistanica was fed to 21 sheep (8-10 months old) and their fecal and urine samples were analyzed for crude protein, crude fiber and total nitrogen. The feeding experiment has demonstrated the digestibility of B. baluchistanica and has led to significant increases (P greater than 0.05) in the body weight of sheep in the experimental groups compared to the control group. The plant was found to be a good source of nutritional and mineral contents but its diet must be supplemented with other high energy diet.