Hydrocyanic acid contents of tropical browse and their influence on performance of goats
1992
Onwuka, C.F.I.
The levels of hydrocyanic acid (HCN) in the dried leaves of 38 browse species comprising shrubs, herbs, grasses and trees found in the tropics were determined. They ranged from 6.04 to 65.1 mg kg-1; trace to 39.9 mg kg-1 and trace to 73.6 mg kg-1 respectively in the trees, shrubs and herbs'/grass leaves. The highest HCN values were recorded for the trees and herbs' leaves. Feeding experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of the HCN contents of Manihot utilissima. Spondias mombin and Gliricidia sepium leaves on the performance of goats. The HCN intake was between 0.94 +/- 0.21 and 9.10 +/- 0.64 mg day-1 w(-0.734)/kg while the weights lost ranged from 30 to 130 g day-1 w(-0.734)/kg in the sole browse leaves and Manihot sp. peels treatments. N balance and N digestibilities were also depressed by HCN. Dry matter and energy intakes were significantly (p < 0.001) influenced by HCN intake while urinary-N was negatively correlated with HCN intake (p < 0.05).
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