In vitro nutritional evaluation of chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) for use as livestock feed

Abstract

Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, family-Euphorbeaceae), an underutilized perennial vegetable shrub was introduced in India in 2006 to test its feasibility for use as a fodder plant. The leaves and fodder chaya contained on dry matter basis, respectively, crude protein (27.40 and 17.96%), NDF (27.76 and 30.82%), ADF (21.47 and 24.33%), lignin (5.9 and 6.6%), ether extract (9.27 and 3.61%), ash (11.88 and 9.84%) and starch (0.41 and 5.31%). The macro minerals in leaves and fodder chaya were, respectively, estimated as, viz. calcium (1.78 and 1.92%), phosphorus (0.31 and 0.28%), potassium (2.34 and 1.44%), magnesium (0.60 and 0.54%) and sodium (0.20 and 0.29%). The micro mineral contents (ppm) in leaves and fodder chaya were respectively, zinc (46.60 and 22.13), copper (5.61 and 3.74) and manganese (131.47 and 85.48). The nutrient content of chaya leaves as well as fodder chaya is superior to that of the leguminous fodder currently used to feed livestock. Initial estimates indicated a yield of fodder chaya in the range of 1000 to 2000 q/ha. It was concluded that chaya has a good nutritional profile and can be a potential source of quality feed for livestock.