Forage tree legumes for ruminant production in Southeast Asia, with special reference to the Leucaena genus
1996
Mullen, B.F. (University of Queensland (Australia). Department of Agriculture)
In Southeast Asia, forage tree legumes are important high protein forages for supplementation of ruminants fed low quality basal diets. The nutritive quality of various forage tree legumes is briefly discussed in terms of voluntary intake, dry matter digestibility (DMD), mineral content and anti-nutritive factors. The nutritional and agronomic characteristics of Leucaena leucocephala and other forage tree legumes are reviewed in detail. Preliminary research at The University of Queensland, investigating the breadth of potential within the Leucaena genus to produce high quality forage in challenging environments, is presented. Several Leucaena species appear to show potential with respect to dry matter production under cool temperatures, high psyllid challenge and, to a lesser extent, acid soil conditions. Preliminary investigations of the nutritive quality characteristics of the genus indicate wide variation in DMD and tannin content. Future research priorities are presented
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