A Study on Chemical Composition and Nutritive Value of Albizia Tree Leaves as a Livestock Feed

The present study was conducted to determine the proximate composition and fibre fraction values of Albizia tree leaves used as a livestock feed at Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam. A total of five species namely Albizia lebbeck, Albizia saman, Albizia falcatariae, Albizia procera, Albizia guachapele were identified and selected for the evaluation of proximate analysis i.e. dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), and total ash and fibre fraction analysis i.e. Neutral detergent fibre (NDF), Acid detergent fibre (ADF), Acid detergent lignin (ADL) and hemicellulose. The DM,CP, CF, EE and Total ash content of the foliages varied from 38.65 46.26%, 18.13 22.16%, 19.81 – 26.16%, 2.89 – 3.80%, 7.67 – 9.15%, of DM respectively. The NDF, ADF, ADL and hemicellulose content of foliages varied from 33.72 – 44.25%, 23.25 – 34.87%, 8.25–11.70%, 7.92–11.91% of DM respectively. From this study it was concluded that nutrient value particularly crude protein content are rich in leaves of Albizia and they serve as a better tree fodder for livestock.