Rumen degradation properties of tropical legumes feed under in sacco studies

Abstract

Abstract Degradation properties of protein feed sources such as tropical legumes is very important to match with microbial protein synthesis and by pass protein requirements in dairy cattle ration formulation. However, the information is still limited. This study aims to determine the degradability of dry matter (DMD) and organic matter (OMD) from several legumes in Indonesia using in sacco method. There are 11 types of tropical legumes that are commonly used in dairy cattle ration have been studied, namely acacia, alfalfa, pterocarpus, gliricidia, indigofera, calliandra, butterfly leaf, leucaena, albizia, tamarind, and sesbania. The dried forage mesh samples were put into nylon bags and incubated in the rumen of two fistulated Friesian Holstein bulls for 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Parameter observed were degradability of dry matter (DMD), and organic matter (OMD), kinetic parameters, and effective degradation. The data were analysed using descriptive statistic and regression from SAS University software. The result that sesbania and indigofera grouped into highly degradable forage (degradability > 80%), while acacia, albizia, calliandra grouped into low degradable forage (degradability < 50%). From this study it can be concluded that each type of legume has different degradability characteristics using in sacco method.