Ruminal fermentation kinetics of Moringa oleifera leaf and seed as protein feeds in dairy cow diets: in sacco degradability and protein and fiber fractions assessed by the CNCPS method

The present study aimed to evaluate in sacco fermentation kinetics of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOL), whole seeds (MOS), and partially (PDMM) or completely defatted seed meal (DMM). Four dry non-lactating cows (Holstein–Friesian cows, weighing 600 kg, 4 years old), with rumen cannula and T-cannula installed in the distal duodenum were used for the study. The cows were fed a mixed forage (17 kg maize silage and 4.5 kg alfalfa hay) and concentrate diet at 7:3, respectively. Samples were incubated in nylon bags (in sacco) for 3, 6, 9, 16 and 24 h. Proximate analysis showed that DMM and PDMM had greater concentrations of crude protein (CP) and fiber compared with MOL and MOS. Lower concentrations of condensed tannins were noted in both MOL and DMM compared to MOS and PDMM. Oleic acid was the most abundant fatty acid in both MOL and MOS. The Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System analysis showed that MOL followed by MOS had more non-protein nitrogen; however, MOS and PDMM had more true soluble protein compared with MOL and DMM. Numerically, more intermediate and low degradable protein were observed with DMM. Results showed that MOL had the highest (P < 0.05) rate of CP disappearance, effective degradability and intestinal digestibility of CP. Whole MOS had the highest (P = 0.045) lag time for CP disappearance; however, MOL had the highest DM disappearance value. M. oleifera leaves, MOS and PDMM had greater effective degradability (P < 0.001) compared to DMM. It could be concluded that MOL showed better protein nutritive value compared with MOS, DMM or PDMM, and the use of MOL is recommended for practical application.