초록
Leucaena leucocephala (lam. de Wit) is a multipurpose leguminous tree/shrub, promoted extensively for reforestation and rural development programmes, as well as in ruminant production. After a year of establishment in the plots, the overall leaves and twigs yield was on average 0.92 kg/plant, containing an average 23.34, 10.61, 5.32 and 10.13 percent CP, CF, and ash, respectively. The proximate and mineral compositions are affected by factors such as stage of maturity, type of cultivar, seasons, cutting intervals, different plant parts. Though leucaena contains toxic mimosine and tannins, these are not always deleterious for ruminants and rumen microbes can often degrade toxic factors into a nontoxic utilizable product Mimosine content is generally higher in the seed than other plant parts. Leucaena supplementation in ruminant ration showed higher digestibility co-efficient of proximate component, which may results in higher productivity. Considering its productivity, composition and nutritive value. L. Leucocephala could be more widely used as a protein source for ruminants in tropical and sub-tropical countries.