Effect of supplementation of rice straw with Leucaena leucocephala and Prosopis cineraria leaves on nutrient utilization by goats

The potential of Leucaena leucocephala and Prosopis cineraria leaves as nitrogen supplements (16 g/kg W-0.75/d) to improve the utilization of a basal diet of rice straw by goats was assessed in a feeding trial. Rice straw supplementation with forage oats (Avena sativa) was fed as a control diet. DMI, g/kgW(0.75) Of rice straw by goats receiving Leucaena was significantly (p<0.05) higher followed by Prosopis and oat fodder. The supplementation of Leucaena improved the digestibility coefficient of DM, OM, CP, NDF and ADF and nutrient density. Goats on Prosopis or oat fodder supplemented straw responded similarly in terms of nutrient utilization. The intake (g/kgW0.75) Of DCP, TDN and nitrogen balance of goats were significantly higher (p<0.05) when Leucaena was fed. It is suggested that the Leucaena may be a useful N-supplement in areas where livestock are fed poor quality crop residues.