Utilisation of lemon ( Citrus limon ) and loquat ( Eribotrya japonica ) tree leaves alone or with NH 3 ‐treated straw for goats

Abstract Data are presented on the chemical composition and nutritive value of the leaves of the lemon ( Citrus limon ) and loquat ( Eribotrya japonica ) trees. Twenty‐four castrated male Murciano‐Granadina goats were used in 10 digestibility trials. The digestibility of untreated straw and straw treated with ammonia was measured in two trials, and in eight trials (4 trials×2 periods) lemon or loquat leaves were fed at levels of 25, 50, 75 and 100% in a diet with NH 3 ‐treated barley straw. Crude protein (CP) contents were slightly higher for lemon tree leaves (11·2%), since the treated straw had a lower protein concentration (6·9%). CF, NDF and ADF contents in the leaves were lower than in the treated straw. Digestibility of OM and CP in treated straw was lower than in the leaves of either tree. In contrast, CF, NDF, ADF and cellulose digestibilities of the leaves were lower than that of NH 3 ‐treated straw. The level of leaf inclusion in the diet significantly affected ( P <0·05) DM, OM, CP and fibre digestibility, and DM intake. Diets including lemon leaves showed higher DM, OM, CP and NDF digestibilities than those with loquat leaves, but the DM intake was not affected ( P >0·05) by the type of leaves. Results from the present study suggest that tree leaves can be used as a roughage source instead of NH 3 ‐treated barley straw, with no adverse effect on intake or digestibility for goats. © 1998 SCI.