Effect of the cultivation site (Kenya or Colombia) on ruminal fermentation characteristics of Calliandra calothyrsus var. Patulul

Effect of the cultivation site (Kenya or Colombia) on ruminal fermentation characteristics of Calliandra calothyrsus var. Patulul (Einfluss des Standortes (Kenia oder Kolumbien) auf die ruminalen Fermentationseigenschaften von Calliandra calothyrsus var. Patulul). H.D. Hess F. Noto T.T. Tiemann S. Franzel C.E. Lascano M. Kreuzer* - Zürich/Nairobi/Cali Shrub legume foliage is promising as supplement for ruminants fed low-quality forages in the tropics (1). Calliandra calothyrsus is one representative with excellent agronomic characteristics and high crude protein (CP) content. However its feeding value is limited by low palatability and high concentrations of condensed tannins. C. calothyrsus is currently widely used by smallholders to supplement dairy cattle and goats in Kenya but has hardly been adopted by farmers in Colombia. We hypothesized that this was mainly due to differences in the forage quality of this legume in the two countries. To test this hypothesis an in vitro experiment was performed to compare the nutritional value and the ruminal fermentation characteristic of C. calothyrsus var. Patulul cultivated in sites in Colombia and Kenya where the farmers expressed the above mentioned attitude toward the use of Calliandra The foliage was used as supplement to a low-quality grass (Brachiaria humidicola).

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