| Summary: | This study evaluates the effects of the inclusion of two different <i>Leucaena</i> species as a source of condensed tannins based on in vitro fermentation, methane production and post-ruminal protein supply in a diet based on <i>Urochloa hybrid</i> cv. Cayman CIAT BR02/1752 grass. Under in vitro conditions, <i>Leucaena leucocephala</i> CIAT 17263 and <i>Leucaena diversifolia</i> ILRI 15551 were incubated in two proportions (25% and 50% w/w) with Cayman grass and with/without polyethylene glycol as a tannin-binder. The results show that substrates with <i>Leucaena diversifolia</i> produced less gas and methane than those with <i>Leucaena leucocephala</i> with and without polyethylene glycol. The mass in undegraded feed + solid associated microbes fraction decreased linearly with increasing level of inclusion of both species of <i>Leucaena</i>, while increasing its nitrogen content. It is concluded that the condensed tannins of <i>Leucaena diversifolia</i> possess the superior activity and that the tannin content of both evaluated <i>Leucaenas</i> did not affect the diet degradation, and reductions in post-ruminal protein did not occur in the present study. Further studies are needed to differentiate the tannins present in different <i>Leucaena</i> species and their dietary effects.
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