CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND IN VITRO GAS PRODUCTION OF MEGATHYRSUS MAXIMUS ANDLEUCAENA LEUCOCEPHALALEAF MEAL AS INFLUENCED BY MORINDA LUCIDA INCLUSION

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact of inclusion levels of Morindalucida on the chemical composition and in vitro gas production of a lead tree (Leucaenaleucocephala) and guinea grass (Megathyrsusmaximus) leaf meal. Parameters evaluated included proximate composition, in vitro gas production and fiber fractions of M. maximus - L. leucocephala leaf meal with, varying levels of Morindalucida inclusion. The findings revealed that TM2 with 70% M. maximus and 30 % L. leucocephala with no M. lucida, was at par (P>0.05) with TM3 which was 100: 25: 5% inclusion of the inclusion of Morindalucida; andthey significantly enhanced the crude protein content and overall nutritional value of the M. maximus - L. leucocephalaleaf meal. Additionally, the study demonstrates that Morindalucida improves rumen fermentation efficiency, as indicated by increased in vitro gas production. This suggests that Morindalucida could be a valuable feed additive for improving ruminant nutrition at an inclusion level not higher than 5%.