COMPARATIVE APPRAISAL OF THE ACACIA (ACACIA NILOTICA L.) AND MESQUITE (PROSOPIS JULIFLORA) ON THE BASIS OF MINERAL CONTENTS AND CONTAMINANTS FOR THE CAMEL FEEDS

Abstract

This study evaluates the nutritional value and quality of feed and forage for camel husbandry and productivity. It focuses on two forage plant species, Acacia and Mesquite, based on mineral nutrients and contaminants for grazing and camel health benefits. The study was conducted in Jam Mahar and Tharo Mari locations of Hyderabad, contaminated lands of Oil and Gas Development Company Limited. Leaf tissue samples were collected from three trees of each plant species, oven-dried at 70°C for 48 hours, and analyzed for crude protein, fats, fiber, and ash. The plant material was digested using diacetic acid and filtered properly. The filtrate of digested samples was analyzed on Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (Nova 400) Analytik Jena, Germany. The findings of the study revealed that Acacia leaf, including pod samples, illustrated more crude protein (20.1%), fats (16%) and crude fiber (16.4) in comparison to mesquite (Devi). Findings from macro and the micronutrients of the study revealed that mesquite leaf tissues contained 36.7% and 3% more K. and Ca as compared to acacia leaf samples. Inversely to K and Ca, the Mg and Fe contents of Acacia leaf tissues were 77% and 59% higher than mesquite leaf tissue. The study found that acacia leaves have potential to meet the nutritional needs of camels and address feed shortage issues during the monsoon dry season. The findings suggest further research on the benefits of acacia leaves as fodder and their potential use in combination with other grasses to enhance various nutrients, including protein, lipids, fiber, macronutrients, and micronutrients