AN IN VITRO EVALUATION OF THREE CLONES OF KATUK LEAF (Sauropus Androgynus L. Merr) AS PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS FOR RUMINANTS

Abstract

An in vitro evaluation is conducted to study the potential use of three clones of katuk leaf (Bastar, Paris and Zanzibar) as protein supplements for ruminants. A factorial randomized completed block experiment (3x3) was carried out for studying degradability and fermentability of katuk leaf clones, and its effects on total bacterial and protozoal populations. Factor A was the three clones of katuk leaf (Bastar, Paris and Zanzibar), and factor B was the in virro incubation period (1, 2 and 3 h); rumen fluid from three cattle was used as block. A randomized complete block design was also used in an in virro digestibility experiment. Data was analysed with analysis of variance to evaluate treatment effects, and a contrast or polynomial orthogonal test was used to determine differences among treatments. The results indicate that katuk leaf clones affect ammonia concentration (P<0.01), protozoal population (P<0.05) and dry matter digestibility (P<0.10), but the effect is not significant on VFA concentration, total bacterial population and organic matter digestibility. VFA concentration (P<0.01) and protozoal population (P<0.0l) are affected by the incubation period, but its effects are not significant on ammonia concentration and total bacterial population. Interaction between katuk leaf clones and incubation period does not produce significant effects on all variables measured. It is concluded that Bastar clone is the best clone of katuk leaf as a protein supplement for ruminants, and the highest ammonia and VFA concentrations producing the largest microbial populations is achieved at 3 h incubation period.