Strategic use of condensed tannins through a tree leaves mixture on nutrient utilization and performance of kids

Abstract

The study was designed to ascertain the effect of strategic use of condensed tannins (CT) through tanniferous tree leaves on nutrient utilization and growth in kids. Indigenous kids (18) were randomly divided into 3 groups of 6 each in a completely randomized design and fed 3 iso-nitrogenous diets to contain 0, 1.0 and 2.0% CT through a dried and ground leaf meal mixture of Ficus infectoria, Psidium guajava and Ficus bengalensis. The diets were designated as CT0, CT-1, and CT-2, respectively, and fed to kids on a basal diet of wheat straw to meet requirements for maintenance and growth. Blood-biochemical profile was monitored in all the kids at 0, 40, 80 and 120 days of feeding. The average daily growth rate and feed conversion ratio for 120 days showed a significant linear increase by supplementation of CT up to 2.0% of diet through leaf meal mixture. Though supplementation of CT up to 1.0% of diet did not interfere with the nutrient intake or digestibility, a depressing effect on DM and OM digestibility at 2.0% CT level was apparent without any detrimental effect on intake. DCP and TDN values of the composite diets were decreased significantly (linear, P<0.046 or 0.016) in CT-2 than control (CT-0), however, intake of DCP, DOM and TDN did not differ significantly irrespective of dietary treatments. Feeding of CT containing diets up to 2.0% level significantly influenced N utilization and enhanced its retention. Similarly, microbial nitrogen synthesis as estimated by urinary excretion of purine derivatives was increased significantly with CT inclusion. Haematological (haemoglobin and PCV) and biochemical parameters (serum glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, A:G ratio and LDH, were similar among the dietary treatments except for significant reduction in serum urea concentration of kids fed diets containing 1-2% CT. It may be concluded that CT from a mixture of F. infectoria, P. guajava and F. bengalensis leaves from 1 to 2% of diet improved overall performance of kids.