Proanthocyanidins (condensed tannins) and the use of leaves from Sesbania sesban and Sesbania goetzei as protein supplements

Three accessions of Sesbania sesban (10865, 15019 and 15036) and one accession of Sesbania goetzei (15007) were used as protein supplements for rams fed maize (Zea mays) stover in a growth trial and a digestion trial which investigated the effects of proanthocyanidins (PAs) on protein digestion. Levels of soluble and insoluble PAs were highest, in accessions 15036 and 15007, inter-mediate in 15019 and lowest in 10865. In a 70 days growth trial, 60 rams were fed these accessions of sesbania which provided three levels of crude protein (25, 50, and75 g day-1). Intakes of maize stover by rams fed accessions 10865 and 15019 were significantly higher (P<0.05) than rams fed 15036 and 15007. Rate of gain for rams fed accessions 10865 and 15019 were significantly higher (P