Nutritional potentialities of neem (Azadiracthaindica) plant parts as supplementary feed in ruminant production system

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine and compare the nutritional value of plant parts of neem as supplementary feedin ruminant production systems. Fresh matured leaves, and bark of Neem (Azadirachta indica) were collected, air dried and analyzed for chemical] and phytochemical constituents namely saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins as well as in vitro gas production and Dry matter digestibility. Results showed that the proximate and fibre fractions composition as well as the concentration of phytochemicals differed (P< 0.05) across plant parts with a tolerable range of values that could supply critical nutrients needed to enhance ruminalmicrobial growth and fermentation. Crude protein contentswere highest in leaves (19.76%) with bark having the least values (7.20%), while fibre fractions and phytochemical constituents were highest in bark with least values observed in seeds. Kinetics of gas production differed (P < 0.05) among plant parts with the leaves showing a shorter lag time and higher rate of fermentation. Gas production of neem plant parts increased (P<0.05) with increasing incubation time, with the highest and the lowest values observed in the leaves and bark, respectively. In vitro Dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) differed (P < 0.05) within neem plant partsranging from 20.00 in bark to 28.00% in leaves. Methane (mL/200mgDM) production also differed (P<0.05) and ranged from10.40 in bark to 26.00 in leaves, following the same trend as IVDMD. Neem plant partswere concluded to exhibit considerable potential that could be exploited as a good source of nutritional supplement in the diet of ruminants. This could help in alleviating the dry season feed shortages experienced by ruminants inmost tropical countries.