The nutritive value of cassava (Manihot Esculenta crants) leaves as a source of protein for ruminants in Malaysia

C. Devendra

Abstract

Data are presented on chemical composition of 11 varieties of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) leaves, 4 bitter and 7 sweet varieties. Except for nitrogen-free extract. no statistically significant differences were found in chemical composition between bitter and sweet varieties. The bitter varieties appear to have a higher mean crude protein content. The digestibility of the leaves of variety C5 showed that the dry. organic matter digestibility. crude protein and energy digestibility were 49.7, 50.0, 62.6 and 53.4 per cent respectively. The crude protein digestibility was noticeably high and was associated with a relatively high N balance of 62.5 per cent as percentage of intake. The nutritional value determined was 14.5 per cent digestible crude protein (DCP) 49.6 per cent total digestible nutrients (TDN) 12.2 MJ Kg digestible energy (DE) . 10.0 MJ/Kg metabolisable energy (ME) and 3.98 MJ/Kg net energy for fattening. The biological value (BV) was 65.4. The potential of tapioca leaves as a source of protein in diets for ruminants in Malaysia is stressed.

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