| Summary: | Leucaena leucocephala is a tree legume that has been reported to have high protein content and has potential to be a high quality feed supplement for animal production. However, Leucaena hybrids in Malaysia have been found to contain condensed tannins higher than that of the local L. leucocephala. Condensed tannins are plant secondary metabolites which, through different actions, have protein sparing effect in ruminants. It has been reported that condensed tannins not only reduce methane emission, but can also decrease digestibility of feed in ruminants. This study was carried out to examine the effects of condensed tannins present in Leucaena on rumen fermentation parameters, particularly on volatile fatty acid production and the in vitro gas production technique was used for this determination. Condensed tannins were extracted from local L. leucocephala and a Leucaena hybrid-Rendang and 0, 10, 25, 40 and 55 mg of the condensed tannins were incubated with guinea grass for 24h, after which total volatile fatty acid (VFA) production was determined. The results revealed that there were reductions in total VFA at all levels of condensed tannins inclusion. The ecetate to propionate ratio was significantly reduced (P<0.05) with reduction ranging from 14.83% to 28.11%. The shift in volatile fatty acid production indicated changes in metabolic processes leading to the production of energy in ruminants.
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