Leaf meals as sources of protein for poultry and livestock [Philippines]
1986
Castillo, L.S.
A number of factors affect the quality or feeding value of leaf meals. One is plant species, e.g. legumes and many dicotyledonous plants such as cassava, malunggay and fodder tree species containing high protein. Anabiong (Trema orientalis) is another source of tree leaves. Feeding trials using anabiong leaf meal at the Institute of Animal Science [College, Laguna, Philippines] showed that it contained 16-23% crude protein with an average of 19% (dry matter basis) and 13% crude fiber. The trials also showed that up to 20% leaf meal could be used in broiler diets and 15% for layers. Stage of maturity or cutting interval is another factor. Forages cut at an early stage are relatively richer in protein compared to the late cut. Another factor is fertilizer application. Fertility of the soil directly affects the grass/legume grown. Prewar digitaria fertilized with 0, 60, 90 and 135 kg nitrogen/ha showed that 60 kg nitrogen could be the optimum level. Season also affects the feeding value of leaf meal, e.g., the protein content of napier grass is higher during the wet season than in the dry. The quality of leaf meal is directly affected by processing. Improper drying may cause browning reaction in the material and shattering of leaves. In grinding, quality may likewise suffer if extraneous materials are inadvertently or purposely added (adulteration) to increase the weight for more profits. Good quality leaf meal contains high amounts of carotene and xanthophylls. Toxic factors such as mimosine, lantanin, hydrocyanic acid, oxalates, hemaglutinins, alkaloids and tannins reduce the feeding value of leaf meal. The last factor is estrogens which in some instances could provide growth stimulating factor depending on the level ingested.
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