Nutritional value and tannin profile of forest foliages in temperate sub-Himalayas

Abstract

Tree leaves (11 species) commonly used for livestock foraging in low (1000–1500 metres) and high (2000–2500 metres) altitudes of temperate sub Himalayas in Northern India were evaluated for their nutritional values. Leaves had wide variation in CP, NDF, ADF, total tannin, condensed tannin (0.02–5.82%) and hydrolysable tannin (0.50–9.20%). The IVOMD of tree leaves was negatively correlated with NDF and ADF content and positively correlated with CP. Tree leaves were rich in Ca, Fe and Mn, but poor in P and Mg. In most of the tree leaves Cu (5.2–8.0 ppm) and I (0.05–0.09) contents were below critical level. The concentration of minerals in foliages grown in high elevation was found to be lower than low elevation. The results indicated that most of the tree leaves are good source of protein and fibre. Among the evaluated tree leaves, Grewia and Ficus spp. of tree leaves can be classified as good quality forage.