Chemical characteristics of Albizia lebbeck and determination of its nutritive potential through the technique of gas in vitro production

A completely randomized design with four repetitions was used to determine the nutritive quality and the phytochemical screening of Albizia lebbeck. The samples were selected from a typical dairy unit of the Institute of Animal Science. The chemical composition and the presence of secondary metabolites were determined. The incubation times used were: 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18,21, 24,48, 72 and 96 h. The results of the forage fermentation were adjusted according to the logistic and molecular models. It was obtained 41.43% DM, 19-39% CP, 45.64% ADF and 68.10% NDF. Tannins, alkaloids, resins and steroids were identified. There was a high presence of the formers and it was low for the rest. An average value of 0.26 mL/h was reached in gas production, with adjustments of R-2 of 0.92 (P < 0.001) in both models. From the results, it is possible to know the potential nutritive quality of the Albizia lebbeck foliage to be used in the feeding of ruminants. Further studies on the effect of the tannins of this plant on the degradability of its chemical constituents are necessary.