BIBLIOGRAPHY JOCELYN ...
BIBLIOGRAPHY
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012. Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of
Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits. Benguet State University, La
Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Sonwright B. Maddul, Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to determine the nutrient content of these feedstuffs; the
nutrient intake and digestibility of nutrients in galinsoga and kangkong. New Zealand white
and Chinchilla rabbits were distributed in a Completely Randomized Design. The four
treatments used during preliminary period were Galinsoga parviflora (T1), Talinum
triangulare (T2), Ipomoea aquatica (T3), Moringa oleifera (T4). Among the treatments the
top two preffered feedstuffs used in digestibility trial were Galinsoga (T1) and kangkong
(T2).
Ipomoea aquatica has the higher dry matter content (11.17%) as feed basis, crude
protein (22.93%), and gross energy (3843kcal/kg) as DM basis. Galinsoga parviflora has
has a higher content of (22.33%) crude fiber and ash with (18.76%). There was a highly
significant difference between the two treatments in the intake of crude protein, crude fiber,
ash, dry matter digestibility, ash digestibility, and digestible nutrients of dry matter, crude
protein, and crude fiber. The digestible energy of the two feedstuffs found significantly
different. However, ash intake, digestibilty of crude protein, crude fiber, ash and digestible
nutrients of crude fiber were not significantly different among the two feedstuffs. Results
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
shows that kangkong has the higher nutrient intake, coefficient digestibility and digestible
of nutrients than galinsoga. On the other hand, both galinsoga and kangkong are
recommended as basal diet for rabbit.
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
INTRODUCTION
Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are found in virtually every country in the world.
They contribute in improving the nutrition and the economy of small holder families, both
as source of animal protein, as well as a source of extra income. Relative to more common
livestock species, its small size, efficient reproductive ability, highly nutritious meat,
utilization of forage rather than cereal grains, early age at puberty, and rapid generation
rate make the rabbit a unique animal for the majority of small, limited resource farms
(Chuke et al., 1986) as cited by Akinfala (2003).
On the other hand, insufficient supplies of feedstuffs at economic prices have
continued to limit the production of rabbit. In addition, the high cost of commercial feeds
which are the most common problem of smallholder families, and there is a keen
competition between man and livestock for conventional feedstuffs. Thus, this situation
makes it imperative to research for alternative feed sources in order to reduce the cost of
animal feeds.
Rabbits however, are herbivores and are classified as hindgut fermentors. The said
species has an efficient monogastric mode of digestion that is followed by fermentation of
selected cellulose feed and endogenous materials in cecum through the action of resident
bacterial ecosystem (Leng, 2004). The digestibility system can cope with fibrous plant
matter such as grasses, grains, leaves, legumes or hay. Leaves from drought-resistant, some
leguminous trees can provide the major source of dietary protein to rabbits. Grasses, herbs
and vegetables are also used as rabbit feed. The utilization of unconventional feed
resources holds great relevance to farmers and producer.
However, these feedstuffs are seasonal and can be in short supply during summer
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
months. Foliage from trees and herbs can serve as substitute for rabbit feed. Malunggay,
galinsoga, talinum and kangkong are abundant and producing plenty of leaves. In addition,
they are locally available and considered as non-conventional feeding materials. However,
there is dearth of information when it comes to evaluation of these feedstuffs for rabbits in
terms of nutrient intake and digestibility.
There is a need to look for potential feeding materials as an alternative source of
nutrients for rabbits during times of feed shortage. Additionally, such sources should
contribute to lower the farmer’s expenses in buying concentrated feed. These foliage can
serve as alternative rabbit feed when common feedstuffs are scarce. This study may help
in alleviating nutritional deficiencies experienced in dry season. This feeding system can
encourage farmers and hobbyists to go for rabbit production because it will demonstrate
that rabbits not only need low investment but give more returns.
To fully understand the nutritive value of this foliage, palatability and digestibility
experiments should be carried out with rabbits. This study serves as source of significant
information about the voluntary intake and apparent digestibility of nutrients in these
foliage by rabbits under local conditions.
The general objective of this study is to determine the nutritive value of herbs and
fodder tree available locally for rabbits. Specifically, it aimed to: determine the nutrient
content of galinsoga and kangkong; determine the nutrient intake of the fresh foliage by
rabbits, and determine the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ash and
gross energy in foliages by rabbits.
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
This study was conducted at the Animal Genetic Resources (TANGERE) Project of
Benguet State University at Bektey, Puguis La Trinidad,Benguet from November-
December 2011.
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Protein supplementation is often important to improve livestock performance. The
use of plant leaves as a source of protein is one possible alternative for commercial feeds.
Studies on shrub and tree leaves, leafy vines, grasses, and algae and other water plants have
shown that, on a 90dry-matter basis, their crude protein contents vary from 20 to 30%, and
crude fiber from 12 to 18%.
Utilization of Galinsoga Leaves
Galinsoga (Galinsoga parviflora) is an annual dicot species of the family
Asteracea, a common herb that is often found in distributed habitats and agricultural areas.
Galinsoga is considered to be a common weed. This herb will continue to make
contribution to the diet of many (Damalas, 2008). Galinsoga is grazed by livestock and
used as feed for chicken, rabbit and pigs.
Abad (2002) in his study on galinsoga, sweet potato vines, cabbage and pigweed
can be used as feed for rabbits. However, based on chemical composition, sweet potato
vines and Galinsoga has a high nutritive value than the whole cabbage and pigweed. The
edible parts of this herb contain 3.2g of protein, fiber (1.1) and high in calcium (284mg).
Galinsoga is also a good source of vitamin A or beta carotene, magnesium, potassium, zinc,
thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and ascorbic acid.
Utilization of Kangkong Leaves
Kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica) is easy to plant and has a very high yield biomass,
which is rich in protein. The crude protein content in the leaves and stem can be as high as
32% and 18% in dry basis (Ly Thi Luyen, 2003) as cited by Phimmassan et al.,
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
(2004). It is considered that water spinach can be a low cost for rabbits at small holder
farmer level.
This forage is palatable to rabbits (Doan Thi Gang et al., 2006) as cited by
Phimmassan et al., (2004) but the leaves are more easily eaten than the stems (Phimmasan
et al., 2004). In rabbits fed to a concentrate diet, fresh water spinach resulted in a slightly
higher intake and daily gain (21.9 g/d) than sweet potato vines. The best performances were
obtained in adding Guinea grass to sweet potato vines, water spinach or mixture of both
forages; though the digestibility diets were lower (Doan Thi Gang et al., 2006). Rabbit fed
only with fresh water spinach gained 18.1g/d (Phimmasan et al., 2004).
Utilization of Talinum leaves
Talinum (Talinum triangulare) is an herbaceous perennial, caules cent and glabrous
plant that belong to family Portulacea widely grown in tropical regions as a leaf vegetable
(Ezekwe et al., 2001) as cited by Onu (2010). Nutritionally, the leaves and shoots are edible
and also fed to livestock.
Water leaf has been proven to be high in crude protein (22.1%), ash (33.98%) and crude
fiber (11.12%). Aside from its medicinal values in humans, it is highly palatable to
stock and has been suggested as a palatability improvement in pasture. Moreover, it acts as
green forage for rabbit feed management (Aduko et al., 1990) as cited by Enete and Okun
(2010).
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
Utilization of Malunggay Leaves
Malunggay (Moringa oleifera), commonly called horse radish tree or drumstick
tree is used as a protein source for livestock (Sarwatt et al., 2002) as cited by Nuhu (2010).
Moringa leaves have quality attributes that make it a potential replacement for soybean
meal or fish meal in non-ruminant diets. Moringa can easily be produced. Furthermore,
there is the possibility of obtaining large amount of high quality forage from Moringa
without expensive inputs due to favorable soil and climatic conditions for its growth.
According to (Sarwatt et al., 2004) as cited by Nuhu (2010), Moringa foliage is a
potential inexpensive protein source for livestock feeding. The advantages of using
Moringa for a protein resource are numerous and include the fact that it is a perennial plant
that can be harvested several times in one growing season and also has the potential to
reduce feed cost. Moringa oleifera is the group of high yielding nutritious browse plants
with every part having food value (Duke, 1998) as cited by Nuhu (2010).
Lefroy et al., (1997) as cited by Cawad (2004) states the importance of trees, shrubs
and herbs for their nutrition capacity for browsing and grazing animals, which it is not yet
being utilized to the maximum possible extent. Several trees and herbs could provide
palatable and nutritious leaves which can be alternative sources of livestock feeds during
scarcity period.
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The main materials used in this study were 24 heads of New Zealand white and
chinchilla breed of mature rabbit. The other materials needed were the digestion cages,
crocks for drinking water, weighing scales, record book, and polyethylene bags for storing
samples.
The foliage was collected daily from several resources; herbs from Tayug, Pangasinan and
tree leaves from Tuba, Benguet and galinsoga was harvested from La Trinidad, Benguet.
This study involved two experiments to evaluate the fresh foliage:
1. Voluntary intake trial. Foliage of four feedstuffs was tested for
determination of voluntary intake by rabbits. Each feedstuff was offered with
stalk, petiole and leaves.
2. Digestibility trial. The top two feedstuffs from those tested in the
palatability trial was subjected to digestibility trial. The same experimental
animals offered previously with the selected feedstuffs were used in the second
experiment.
Experiment 1: Palatability Trial
In this trial, foliage of herbs and fodder tree was separately offered on each
experimental rabbits to determine which foliage preferred most. The foliage was harvested
early in the morning. Kangkong and talinum was then subjected for air drying about one
day while malunggay was offered fresh. Water was always available at all times.
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
Each individual rabbit was fed with 300g of feedstuff twice a day at 7:30am and
4:30pm. The amount was adjusted to ensure at least 20% feed leftover. The first day was
the collection of feedstuffs and the next day was the collection offered left over before
feeding the rabbits in the morning. The trial lasted for 14 days.
The different treatments are as follows:
T1 =Galinzoga (Galinsoga parviflora)
T2 =Kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica)
T3 =Talinum (Talinum triangulare)
T4 =Malunggay (Moringa oleifera)
Experiment 2: Digestibility Trial
A total of 12 heads New Zealand white and Chinchilla of mature rabbits were distributed
to individual digestion cages (Figure 1) in a completely randomized design. Feces were
collected by means of a tray that is suspended under the floor of each pen. Urine collection
was excluded in this experiment.
The experimental diets consisted of the top two feedstuffs (Figures 2 and 3) preferred by
rabbits in experiment one as follows:
T1 = Galinsoga
T2= Kangkong
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
Figure 1. Rabbit distributed to individual digestion cages
Figure 2. Galinsoga parviflora
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
10
Figure 3. Ipomoea aquatica
The foliage was harvested early in the morning. Kangkong and talinum was then subjected
for air drying about one day while malungay was offered fresh. Feeding time was twice a
day at 7:30am and 4:30pm. Water was available at all times.
The digestibility trial lasted for nine days. The first 14 days (Day 1-14) was the preliminary
period. The last nine days (Day 15-23) serve as the input and output measurement period.
Each experimental rabbits were offered 1000g of fresh foliage daily or atleast 20% should
be uneaten (feed leftover). Uneaten foliage was discarded after saving a grab sample. From
the feed offered on each day of measurement period, a 5-10% sample was saved in airtight
plastic container (ziplock). All fresh sample of daily feed offered and leftover was kept
separately in a freezer. On day 17 through 23, all the feces voided was collected, weigh,
kept frozen and oven dried (Figure 4) pending for chemical analysis. The experimental
animals were weighed after fecal collection and before feeding on day 23.
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
The experimental procedure is summarized as follows:
Days Activity
1 Weigh animal; start feeding experimental diets; determine
voluntary intake
2-14 Adaptation/ preliminary period
15
Collect sample of feed offered
16
Collect samples of feed offered and leftover
17-22 Collect samples of feed offered, left over and feces
23
Collect samples of feed offered, left over and feces; and weigh the animal
Figure 4. Air-drying of fecal samples
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
Preparation of Samples for Chemical
Analysis
Samples of feed offered, leftover and feces were prepared following the procedures of
Osuji et al., (1993).
Feed offered and leftover samples were subjected to grinding (Figure 5) and passing
through a 2mm sieve. A 50g sample was taken per dietary treatment and sealed in an
airtight plastic bag. Samples (Figure 6) were forwarded at the Institute of Animal Science,
University of Los Baños, Laguna for laboratory analysis.
Fecal samples were dried at 60°C and ground through a 2mm screen. A 50g
representative sample was kept in a sealed plastic bag to prevent changes in moisture
content.
Figure 5. Grinding of feed samples
13
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
Figure 6. Forage samples for analysis
Data Gathering and Analysis
The following data were gathered:
1.
Amount of foliage offered. The amount of foliage given to each
experimental rabbits.
2.
Amount of foliage leftover. The amount of foliage not consumed by
each experimental rabbits.
3.
Body weight of animals. This was taken by weighing the
experimental animals before and after the digestibility trial.
4. Fecal output. The amount of feces voided by each experimental rabbits.
5.
Fresh and oven dried weight of the foliage and feces. This was
obtained by weighing the fresh samples before and after drying at 60°C.
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
6.
Chemical composition of foliage and feces. This was the proximate
composition of herbs and trees foliage, leftover and feces to determine among
AOAC methods.
a. Crude protein of feeds and feces. This was obtained by
multiplying %N of sample to 6.25.
b. Crude fiber of feeds and feces. This was obtained by
extracting the sample with boiling water ether, distilling off the ether and then
weighing the residue.
c. Ether extract of feeds and feces. This was obtained by
extracting the sample with boiling ether and distilling off the ether and weighing
the residue.
d. Ash of feeds and feces. This was obtained by burning the
samples at 450°C in temperature for at least two hours.
e. Gross Energy. This was computed as measured by direct calorimetry.
From the above data; the following data were computed:
1. Feed intake. This was determined by subtracting between the amount of
herbs and tree foliage offered from amount of herbs and tree foliage leftover.
2.
Dry matter of feeds and feces. This was determined by using this
formula:
%DM = Wt. of Sample After Drying x 100
Wt. of Sample Before Drying
3. Nutrient Intake. This was computed as follows:
Feed Intake x % Nutrient
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
4. Amount of nutrient in feeds. This was computed as follows:
Amount of Feeds x % of Nutrient in Feeds
100
5. Amount of nutrient in feces. This was computed as follows:
Total Amount of Feces Excreted x % of Nutrient in Feces
100
6.
Amount of nutrient digested .This was obtained by subtracting the
amount of nutrient in weekly feeds from amount of nutrient in weekly feces.
7. Coefficient of digestibility of nutrient. This was computed as follows:
Amount of Nutrient Digested x 100
Amount of Nutrient in feeds
8. Digestible nutrient in feeds. This was computed as follows:
% of Nutrient in Feed x Coefficient of Digestibility of Nutrient
100
Data Analysis
All data were subjected to analysis of variance for a Completely Randomized Design.
Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was used to compare treatment means.
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
Chemical Characteristics of Feedstuffs
The nutrient compositions of test feedstuffs fed to the experimental rabbits are
shown in Table 1. On fresh basis, Galinsoga contained 10.17% dry matter (DM) while
kangkong had 11.15% DM. Kangkong leaves used as based diet for rabbits was found to
have 12.9% to 14.3% DM by Hongthong Phimmasan et al.,(2004) and Sisomphone,
Southarong and Preston(2008). As DM basis, the water spinach also had a low DM content,
which has also been noted by (Buntha and Ty, 2006 and Samko et al.,2006 as cited by
Nguyen et al.,2007).
The content in the leaves and the stem of kangkong can be as high 32% (Ly Thi
Luyen, 2003. Pil-o (2010) mentioned that Galinsoga content is 19.56% of crude protein.
Kangkong has a high crude protein which contains 22.93% and 18.10% for galinsoga. The
crude protein levels in water spinach is high and similar to the results of Preston (2006) but
lower than the values 262 to 278g/kg DM of leaves plus petioles reported by (Buntha and
Ty, 2006 and Samko et al.,2006 as cited by Nguyen et al.,2007). The high CP levels
reported by these authors can be due to harvesting age of the water spinach of nutrients
available in the soil.
The chemical composition of galinsoga had a crude fiber content of 22.33% lower
than 26.68% by Pil-o (2010) while kangkong only contains 15.71% CF. Galinsoga had a
high content of ash with 18.76% compared to kangkong with 14.96%. The high ash content
in the feedstuffs is an indication that the leaves contain nutritionally important minerals
elements. The gross energy of galinsoga and kangkong contains 3669kcal/kg and
3843kcal/kg.
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
Table 1. Chemical characteristics of feedstuffs
TREATMENT DM(%) DM(%) CP(%) CF(%) ASH(%) GE(kcal/kg)
FRESH BASIS DRY BASIS
Galinsoga
10.17 94.36 18.10 22.33 18.76
3669
Kangkong
11.17 92.72
22.93 15.71 14.96
3843
Feed samples were analyzed at the Institute of Animal Science Nutrition Laboratory. UPLB
College, Laguna
Mean Total Feed Intake
Table 2 shows the mean of two different feedstuffs by rabbits were not significantly
different. The mean total feed intake of galinsoga and kangkong was 6631.25 grams and
6223.75 grams, respectively. The average feed intake of galinsoga with 889.1071 grams
was lower than 947.3214 grams with kangkong.
During the preliminary period it was observed that animals given with talinum and
malunggay had a higher feed left-over. The experimental rabbits fed with these two
treatments started to decreased in feed intake due to low palatability of these two feedstuffs
that affected their body weight.
The two preferred feedstuffs involved in digestibility trial that have higher palatability were
Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica.
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
Table 2. Mean feed intake of experimental rabbits
FEED INTAKE
TREATMENT
TOTAL
AVERAGE
Galinsoga
6223.75 a
889.1071 a
Kangkong
6631.25 a
947.3214 a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different (P<0.05) by DMRT
Nutrient Intake of Experimental Rabbits
Table 3 shows the amount of nutrient intake of the experimental rabbits. Treatment
means were different except for ash as revealed by statistical analysis.
Crude protein intake, crude fiber intake, dry matter intake, and gross energy intake
were marked as highly significant. Kangkong has high numerical value of 169.541 grams
while 114.565 grams for galinsoga of crude protein intake. The crude fiber intake of
galinsoga and kangkong were 141.339 grams and 116.157 grams. Gross energy intake of
kangkong was higher with 2841.899 grams than 2321.560 grams of galinsoga. Kangkong
has dry matter intake of 739.385 grams while 632.956 grams for galinsoga. This study is
in contrast to (Buntha and Ty, 2006 as cited by Nguyen et al., 2007) findings that dry matter
intake of water spinach is lower; this is probably due to the high water content. However,
there were no difference between galinsoga and kangkong that has an ash intake of 118.742
grams and 110.612 grams.
Statistically, it was observed that kangkong has the higher intake of dry matter,
crude protein and gross energy except crude fiber intake. Experimental rabbits consumed
more leaves of the kangkong than stems because leaves are much higher in crude protein
by Pok et al., (2006). Galinsoga is also higher of crude fiber and ash. Similarly, to the
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
Table 3. Amount of nutrient intake by experimental rabbits
TREATMENT DM (g) CP (g) CF(g) ASH(g) GE (kcal/kg)
Galinsoga
632.956b 114.565b
141.339a
118.742a
2321.560b
Kangkong
739.385a
169.541a
116.157b
110.612a
2841.899a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different (P<0.05) by DMRT
study of Pil-o (2010) and Abad (2004) that the dry matter intake is related to the moisture
content of the feedstuffs. The nutrient intake of galinsoga and kangkong meet the
requirements of rabbits.
Coefficient Digestibility of Nutrients
The digestibility coefficient of dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ash and gross
energy of feedstuffs by rabbits is shown in Table 4. Statistical analysis revealed that among
the treatments there was highly significant between dry matter and ash. The dry matter
digestibility of kangkong was higher than in galinsoga (65.042% and 58.382%),
respectively. Based from Phimmasan et al., (2004) found that the dry matter digestibility
of kangkong ranged from 84.7% to 89.3%. The ash digestibility of kangkong has 57.129%
while 47.658% for galinsoga.
However, there were no significant difference between crude protein, crude fiber
and gross energy. The crude protein digestibility of galinsoga is 60.616% quite lower than
65.297% for kangkong. Crude fiber digestibility of galinsoga and kangkong were 32.255%
and 29.866%. Samkol et al., (2006) revealed that fiber digestibility, as the
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
Table 4. Coefficient of digestibility of nutrients
TREATMENT DM(%) CP(%)
CF(%)
ASH(%)
GE(%)
Galinsoga
58.382b
60.616a
32.255a
40.262b
47.658a
Kangkong
65.042a
65.297a
29.866a
77.010a
57.129a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different (P<0.05) by DMRT
proportion of dry matter consumed as leaves increased, indicates that the crude fiber in the
leaves is less digestible than the crude fiber in the stems.
It was observed that rabbit fed with kangkong has the high feed intake and feces excreted
during the experiment. Thus, the other nutrient content is carried into the feces as
mentioned by Pil-o (2010). The result of this study shows that this two feedstuffs have the
same coefficient digestibility except for dry matter and ash.
Digestible Nutrients in Feeds
Table 5 shows that the amount of digestible dry matter, crude protein, and ash were
significantly higher in kangkong than in galinsoga. The dry matter of galinsoga and
kangkong are 7.249 grams and 5.124 grams. It was been shown that kangkong has the high
crude protein of 14.973grams and 10.971grams for galinsoga. The ash of galinsoga and
kangkong has slightly differences that contain 7.553 grams and 11.521grams.
Significant difference was observed to digestible energy. Kangkong has 2195.468
kilograms higher than in 1748.570kilograms for galinsoga.
There is minimum requirement for roughage in order to optimize the digestive processes
and the more digestible the fiber the higher is the requirement in order to
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
Table 5. Amount of digestible nutrient in feed
TREATMENT DM(g)
CP(g) CF(g)
ASH(g)
DE(kcal/kg)
Galinsoga
5.124b
10.971b
7.203a
7.553b
1748.572b
Kangkong
7.249a
14.973a
4.692a
11.521a
2195.468a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different (P<0.05) by DMRT
satisfy the need for 10% of indigestible fiber in the diet by (Lebas et al., 1997 as cited by
Pok et al., 2006). However, there is no significant difference among the two treatments.
Crude fiber digestibility of galinsoga has 7.203 grams and 4.692 grams for kangkong. The
problem with water spinach would not appear to be one of too high digestibility of the
fiber, but rather than too low concentration of fiber in the total plant (73% in leaf DM and
19.1% in stem DM) by Pok et al., (2006). Result has been shown that kangkong has the
high dry matter, crude protein, ash and gross energy except crude fiber. Furthermore,
kangkong has the higher nutrient intake and digestible nutrient than galinsoga.
Mean Total Gain in Weight
of Experimental Rabbits
Table 6 shows the mean total gain in weight of two different feedstuffs. Initial and final
weight has no significant difference among the treatments. The initial weight of
experimental rabbits fed with galinsoga and fed with kangkong are 1.7125kg and 1.735kg.
From the final weight the two feedstuffs are not quite difference which is 1.8625kg fed
with galinsoga and 2.0125kg fed with kangkong.
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
The gain in weight of experimental animals is still not significant difference between the
two treatments because maybe, rabbits had already reach the mature body size before and
end of the experiment.
Table 6. Mean total gain in weight of experimental rabbits
TREATMENT INITIAL WEIGHT FINAL WEIGHT (3rd week) GAIN IN WEIGHT
(kg)
(kg)
(kg)
Galinsoga
1.7125a
1.8625a
0.15a
Kangkong
1.7375a
2.0125a
0.28a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different (P<0.05) by DMRT
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
The study on the nutrient intake and digestibility of Galinsoga (Galinsoga
parviflora) and Kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica) by rabbits was conducted at the animal
Genetic Resources (TANGERE) project of Benguet State University at Bektey, Puguis La
Trinidad, Benguet from November to December 2011.
This study aimed to determine the nutrient content; the nutrient intake and
digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract, ash and gross energy in
foliages by rabbit. This experiment involved 24 heads of New Zealand White and
Chinchilla of mature rabbits following the Completely Randomized Design.
The different treatment used in palatability trial were Galinsoga (T1), Talinum
(T2), Kangkong (T3), Malunggay (T4) and the two preferred feedstuffs that subjected to
digestion trial are Galinsoga (T1), Kangkong (T2). A series of digestibility trial with a
conventional collection was conducted for a total of 23 days. Feeds and fecal samples of
the two feedstuffs were collected during the period and analyzed following the procedures
of Osuji et al., (1993) for crude protein, crude fiber, ash and gross energy. Galinsoga (T1)
and kangkong (T2) are subjected for analysis and computed for the nutrient intake,
coefficient digestibility, and digestible of nutrients. Then, all the data were subjected to
analysis of variance of Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) to compare the treatment
means. The nutrient content of kangkong has the high crude protein, gross energy, and
galinsoga is also high in dry matter, crude fiber, and ash. Results showed that kangkong
obtained the higher dry matter intake, crude protein intake, and gross energy intake. Highly
significant differences on the intake of dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, gross energy,
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
dry matter digestibility, ash digestibility; digestible nutrients of dry matter, crude protein,
and ash. Digestible energy of nutrients has difference among the treatments. However, ash
intake, crude protein digestibility, crude fiber digestibility, gross energy, and crude fiber
digestible of nutrients were not significantly difference.
Conclusion
In terms of nutrient intake, kangkong is better than galinsoga except for crude fiber.
Kangkong has high dry matter and ash digestibility except for crude protein, and gross
energy. The digestible nutrient is similar for galinsoga and kangkong except for GE and
crude fiber. However, gain in weight is not significantly different between the two
feedstuffs.
Recommendation
It is recommended that both Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica can be
used as basal rabbit feed due to their high nutritive value. During scarcity of feed, other
feedstuffs like talinum and malunggay can also be used to feed rabbits.
Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012
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Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Galinsoga parviflora and Ipomoea aquatica by Rabbits
JOCELYN B. MALOTE. APRIL 2012