Preliminary evaluation of Moringa oleifera and Oxytenanthera abyssinica (bamboo) leaves as feed supplements for ruminants.

Moringa oleifera (M) and Oxytenanthera abyssinica (bamboo; B) leaves were evaluated as follows; 100%M, 75%M:25%B, 50%M:50%B, 25%M:75%B and 100%B, as feed supplements for ruminants. In-vitro gas production volumes (+/-polyethylene glycol, PEG) were measured to evaluate the effects of probable condensed tannins. OMD (%), ME (MJ/kg DM) and SCFA (mmol/40ml) were predicted. All the fodder combinations contained more than 8%CP; the minimum necessary to provide the minimum NH3 levels required by rumen microorganisms. Moringa inclusion at all levels resulted in ADF and NDF values that could promote voluntary dry matter intake and its digestibility. Significant (