Vol. 8, Issue 5, Part E (2023)

Author(s): MA Ouma, JO Ondiek and PK Migwi

Abstract: Prosopis juliflora is a good alternative protein source and fodder for all livestock at any time of the year. However, it is high in polyphenolic compounds which hinder its palatability and digestibility. This study aimed at investigating the effect its leaves and pods combined at different ratios and on treatment have on their nutritive value and chemical composition. As a result, proximate analysis, and determination of polyphenols was carried out. The analyses were carried out on leaves and pods at ratios of 0:100, 27:75, 50:50, 75:25, and 100:0 to determine the effect of ratio and treatment. Results showed that ratio and treatment affected chemical and nutritive composition of P. juliflora leaves and pods (LP). The crude protein (CP) availability and ash contents were significantly increased while the crude fibre (CF), ether extracts (EE), and polyphenols were significantly decreased in leaves while performance differed in pods when the two were mixed at the different ratios. Treatment with wood ash and bentonite significantly increased availability of CP in P. juliflora LP and decreased CF, EE, and polyphenols of both of them significantly. Total extractable phenolics (TEPH) were significantly reduced in all the ratios while the performance differed with the other factors and depending on the binder used.