Effect of Feeding Tanniferous Oak Leaves on Nutrient Utilization, Serum Mineral Profile and Biochemical Indices in Goats

Abstract

A 120 days growth study was conducted to assess the effect of tanniniferous oak leaves (Quercus semecarpifolia) on nutrient utilization, mineral bioavailability, and biochemical indices in goats. Eighteen growing kids (13.13 ± 0.99 kg; 7–9 months) were randomly divided into three homogenous groups of six each in a completely randomized design and fed native grass hay (Heteropogon contortus) in T1 (control), oak leaves (Quercus semecarpifolia) in T2 and supplemental tannic acid with grass hay in T3 keeping the concentrate mixture constant in all the treatments. At 90 days post feeding, a metabolism trial of six days duration was conducted. Blood was collected on day 0, 60 and 120. The nutrient intake per unit metabolic body size was higher (P < 0.05) in T2 than T1 and T3 without any alteration in plane of nutrition. Balance of Ca, Co, Cu, and Mn was higher (P < 0.05) in oak leaves fed goats, which was further reflected as higher (P < 0.05) serum mineral level of Ca and Mn in those animals. Serum urea level was lower (P < 0.05) in the oak leaves fed group (T2), whereas the serum cholesterol values were lower (P < 0.05) in T2 and T3. The levels of different serum enzymes viz. alkaline phosphatase and alkaline transaminase were higher (P < 0.05) in tannic acid supplemented group. These results suggest that feeding of oak leaves (condensed tannin, 0.85% and hydrolysable tannin, 4.4% in diet) improved bioavailability of Ca and Mn in goats as compared to animals fed local grass hay with or without supplementation of tannic acid.