Seasonal Variation in Nutritional Quality of Pittosporum floribundum in Mid Hills of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

The present study was carried out to analyse nutrient and anti-nutritional principles in Pittosporum floribundum on seasonal basis to determine its best cultivation time and to assess its value as potential fodder species in the mid Himalayan zone, H.P. The highest CP (14.58%), DM (58.86%), OM (90.97%), P (0.24 %), K (2.55%), Mn (47 ppm) contents were higher during spring season while CF (16.63%), ADF (23.30%) and NDF (34.92%) levels were the maximum during summer season. Winter season exhibited the highest NFE (62.06%), total carbohydrates (74.58%), Ca (4.38%), Cu (21.80 ppm), Fe (696.20 ppm) and Zn (54.40 ppm) contents. Anti-nutritional principles viz., phenol (1.32%) and tannins (0.22%) were the lowest during summer season and the highest during autumn season. Nitrate content was the highest (4.99 ppm) in spring season while saponins levels were the maximum (32.40%) during winter season. All anti-nutrients except saponins were observed to be below the toxic level for animal consumption in P. floribundum. Hence, P. floribundum has a high potential as feed for livestock.