Evaluation of condensed tannins from tropical tree leaves and its impact on in vitro nitrogen degradability of groundnut cake Dey Avijit, Dutta Narayan*, Sharma K., Pattanaik A.K. Centre of Advanced Studies in Animal Nutrition, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, India *Reprint Request: Dr. Narayan Dutta, Tel:+91-581-2301318,; Fax: +91-581-2303284; Email: pn@ivri.up.nic.in
Abstract This study was undertaken to ascertain the level of condensed tannins of tropical tree leaves and its influence on the in vitro degradability of nitrogen. Sixteen promising tree leaves from Upper Gangetic Plains of Uttar Pradesh were analysed for proximate composition, condensed tannins (CT) and other fractions of tannins. The leaves of Artocarpus heterophyllus were found to be the most tanniferous, however, leaves of Ficus bengalensis, Ficus glomerata, Ficus infectoria and Quercus spp. were also found to be rich sources of condensed tannins. Four potential sources of tanniferous leaves (Artocarpus heterophyllus, Ficus bengalensis, Ficus glomerata and Ficus infectoria) were selected and used to provide graded levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5%) of CT to protect the degradability of nitrogen from groundnut cake (GNC). Supplementation of CT @ 1–2% significantly (p<0.05) reduced in vitro nitrogen degradation irrespective of tree leaves as source of CT. The reduction in nitrogen degradability of GNC was highest when Ficus glomerata was used as CT source, followed by comparable reduction exerted by the leaves of Ficus bengalensis and Ficus infectoria. At corresponding levels of CT, Artocarpus heterophyllus leaves were least effective as protectant of proteins. It may be concluded that tropical tree leaves are the potential sources of condensed tannins, and can be used effectively to protect the nitrogen degradability of groundnut cake. Top Keywords Condensed tannins, Groundnut cake, Organic protectant, Tree leaves. Top |