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NUTRITIVE VALUE OF COMMON TREE LEAVES
(Jack fruit, Neem, Mowra, Indian Kapok, Coffee, Banyan, Fig and Peepal)
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The utilization of tree leaves for feeding to livestock is not common. They are, however, used for feeding sheep and goats, and are sometimes fed to cattle during periods of fodder crisis.
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In the early stages of their growth, leaves contain fairly high amounts of crude protein and a comparatively low percentage of crude fibre.
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As maturity progresses, there is a gradual decrease in protein content with a concomitant increase in crude fiber. The tree leaves and shrubs are generally rich in calcium but poor in phosphorus.
Jack fruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
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A tree up to 15m high with stiff, 3-lobed leaves on young shoots. The fruits are green and clump - formed with a papillate surface. They grow all along the trunk of the tree.
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The fruits are an important food in the eastern tropics. The leaves are relished by the goat, sheep and cattle and fed particularly in Kerala, Maharashtra, Orissa and West Bengal.
Fresh leaf : As % of dry matter
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D.M.
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C.P.
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C.F.
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Ash
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EE
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NFE
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Ca
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P
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53.0
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18.5
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26.2
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10.2
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5.0
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40.0
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2.00
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0.11
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Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Fresh leaf : As % of dry matter
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C.P.
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C.F.
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Ash
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EE
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NFE
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Ca
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P
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15.4
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12.7
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11.2
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4.2
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56.5
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2.65
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0.24
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Mowra (Bassia latifolia or Madhuca indica)
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A large deciduous tree with a short trunk, spreading branches and a large rounded crown. Flowers are used as vegetable and as source of alcohol. The cake from the oilseed is used as fertilizer. Cattle eat the leaves, flowers and fruit.
Fresh leaf : As % of dry matter
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C.P.
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C.F.
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Ash
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EE
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NFE
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Ca
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P
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9.1
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18.7
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7.8
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4.1
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60.3
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1.53
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0.24
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Indian Kapok or Red silk cotton tree (Bombax malabaricum)
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A tree native to India cultivated for the fine, lustrous material (kapok) obtained from the seed hairs. The flowers are collected for human consumption. The leaves which are 5 to 8 cm long are felted with star shaped hairs. These, together with the twigs, are lopped for fodder.
Fresh leaf : As % of dry matter
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CP
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CF
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Ash
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EE
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NFE
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Ca
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P
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12.6
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22.3
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9.3
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6.4
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49.4
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2.70
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0.19
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Coffee (Coffea arabica)
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The dark, glossy green leaves of the coffee bush are, in some areas, dried and included in concentrates for cattle. The leaves are reported as palatable and can be fed without any unfavourable side effects. It has been claimed that feeding of coffee leaves extends the lactation period.
Dried leaf : As % of dry matter
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DM
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CP
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CF
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Ash
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EE
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NFE
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Ca
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P
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93.6
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9.9
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18.7
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13.0
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5.9
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52.5
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----
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----
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Banyan (Ficus benghalensis)
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A large tree, which can have a huge crown of horizontal branches covering as much as 200 square metres. The crown is supported by aerial roots. It is often planted as shade tree. The leaves are relished by sheep, goat, cattle and buffaloes.
Fresh leaf : as % of dry matter
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CP
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CF
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Ash
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EE
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NFE
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Ca
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P
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9.7
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22.6
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14.4
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2.9
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50.4
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2.56
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0.19
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Fig (Ficus carica)
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A small spreading shrubby tree with large leaves, native to Asia, but now cultivated in sub-tropical countries also. The leaves can be used as fodder for cattle and should be collected as soon as the fruit has been harvested and before yellowing begins.
Peepal (Ficus religiosa)
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A large glabrous tree with leathery, shining, broad based, pointed leaves, Commonly grown as an avenue tree. Although the palatability and nutritive value of peepal leaves is not very good but still the leaves and branches are extensively lopped for fodder.
Fresh leaf : As % on dry matter basis
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CP
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CF
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Ash
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EE
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NFE
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Ca
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P
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9.0
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15.9
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20.0
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2.7
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52.4
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2.97
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0.21
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