Erythrina foliage as an alternative feed for growing goats in Lao PDR

摘要: Foliages from some tropical plants and different species of the legume Erythrina were examined in five studies assessing characteristics these foliages as feed for goats. Digestibility preference showed that ad libitum feeding foliage (Erythrina variegata), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) kapok (Ceiba pentandra) resulted a longer time spent eating more changes diet selection, intake, crude protein (CP) digestibility nitrogen (N) retention than jujube (Ziziphus Mill), fig (Ficus racemosa) mango (Mangifera indica). Supplementation low quality with water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) increased intake apparent digestibility. In survey study, three spp., E. indica, subumbrans variegata, found north, centre south Lao PDR. These limited use an animal on smallholder farms. variegata appeared to be better option terms degradability indica according vitro gas production sacco degradation studies. A cropping study cow manure or mineral fertiliser significantly decreased shoot mortality height fresh CP yield compared no fertiliser. The nutritive value did not differ between fertilised unfertilised treatments. Studies degrees processing (fresh sun-dried) similar CP, neutral detergent fibre acid contents, difference total voluntary when either dry was fed growing Four levels replacement (0, 20, 40 60%) dietary matter digestibility, N carcass characteristics, but higher goats 60% 20%. Thus can replace up mixed soybean meal without any negative effects growth performance.