Digestibility of a high-fiber biscuit-based diet by black and white colobus (Colobus guereza)

The acceptability and digestibility of a high-fiber biscuit-based diet was investigated using two adult male Colobus guereza animals. Although the animals were initially reluctant to accept the biscuit, it was eventually readily consumed. Apparent digestion coefficients for the diet (average composition, dry matter basis: 16% crude protein, 25% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), 9.5% acid detergent fiber (ADF), 1.2% acid lignin) determined by total fecal collection were 0.871 for dry matter, 0.813 for NDF, 0.693 for ADF, and 0.208 for acid lignin. Fiber digestive capabilities in C. guereza generally exceeded those reported in ruminant species based on predictive equations. Use of acid lignin and Cr₂O₃ as markers underestimated dry matter digestibility by 3.9 and 6.0%, respectively.     

In vitro studies and short-term feeding trial in lambs to evaluate plantain sheath (Musa sapientum) as a feed for ruminants

Plantain sheath (Musa sapientum) contained 6.4% dry matter and 3.4% crude protein, 31.4% crude fibre, 34.6% cellulose, 15.5% hemicellulose and 6% lignin in dry matter.

Digestibility in vitro studies with fistulated bucks revealed a dry matter disappearance of 53.3% after 24 h incubation. The digestibility of neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and cellulose after 24 h fermentation was 32.2, 21.5 and 30.3%, respectively. After 48 h fermentation, the dry matter digestibility increased to 63.4%, NDF to 47.0%, ADF to 32.2% and cellulose to 42.3%.

A 45-day feeding trial was conducted with 16 crossbred lambs. Plantain sheath replaced paragrass hay dry matter at 32.6, 54.7 and 76.6% levels. Dried plantain sheath, which contributed 14.1, 25 and 34.5% of total dry matter intake, helped a daily gain of 31.1, 28.9 and 37.8 g when fed mixed with concentrate feed.     

Influence of different dietary calcium levels on the digestibility of Ca,Mg, and P in captive‐born juvenile Galapagos giant tortoises (Geochelone nigra)

Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) are very important minerals in reptile nutrition, but many diets still are not balanced. To achieve optimal growth, including a healthy skeleton and a strong shell, a well‐balanced supply with these minerals is prerequisite. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the digestibility of diets with different calcium levels, with special emphasis on the digestibility of minerals. Fourteen captive‐born juvenile Galapagos giant tortoises of the Zurich and Rotterdam Zoos were used. The animals were housed indoors at a mean temperature of 23°C and 25°C, and at 65% and 60% humidity, respectively. The animals from the same zoo were fed the same diet, which consisted of vegetables, herbs, and a mixture of different Ca sources. Daily mixed fecal samples of all tortoises were collected from day 8 to day 18. A Weender analysis was performed and the HCl‐insoluble ash was used as an indigestible indicator (marker) for the determination of the apparent digestibility. The Ca content of the mixed feedstuffs of diet I was 1.43% on a dry matter basis, and the Ca:P ratio in the food was 3.9:1. In diet II, the Ca content was 2.06% on a dry matter basis, and the Ca:P ratio in the food was 4.8:1. Diet III contained 7.33% of Ca on a dry matter basis, and the Ca:P ratio in the food was 6.7:1. The digestibility of Ca in diet I was 42%. The other examined minerals, Mg and P, had a digestibility of 54% and 84%, respectively. In diet II, the digestibility of Ca was 63%, of Mg 76%, and of P 88%, and in diet III the digestibility of Ca was 82%, of Mg 92%, and of P 91%. The results of this study indicated that higher Ca concentrations in the diet led to an increased apparent digestibility of Ca, Mg, and P. The influence of an increased fat and decreased fiber content in diet III concerning digestibility is discussed. Zoo Biol 20:367–374, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Digestibility of timothy hay by African elephants

Two juvenile, female African elephants (Loxodonta africana) were used in summer and winter trials to determine the apparent digestibility of timothy (Phleum pratense) hay. After 12–14 days of dietary adjustment, dry matter intake and fecal excretion were quantitatively measured for 7 days. Dry matter of timothy hay contained 8.6 and 7.7% crude protein, 57.3 and 44.0% acid detergent fiber, and 6.5 and 6.4% ash during the summer and winter trials, respectively. Estimates of apparent digestibility during summer and winter, respectively, were 39 and 35% for dry matter, 43 and 32% for gross energy (GE), 45 and 30% for crude protein (CP), and 36 and 24% for acid detergent fiber (ADF). While GE and CP digestibility estimates tended (P < .09) to be greater in the summer trial, only the digestibility of ADF was different (P < .05) between summer and winter. Dry matter intake was 1.4–1.6% of body weight (BW), providing an average of 144 kcal of digestible energy per kg BW^0.75. This value is similar to that (155 kcal per kg BW^0.75) used for estimating digestible energy requirements for maintenance of light-breed horses.     

Comparative use of four different marker systems for the estimation of digestibility and low food intake in a group of captive giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis)

In a feeding trial with four captive giraffes, nutrient digestibility was determined using four different marker systems. Although cobalt‐ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid proved to have no utility as a digestibility marker in this study, reasonable values could be obtained using C₃₆ n‐alkane, acid detergent lignin, and acid insoluble ash as markers. A comparison of methods and literature data suggests that the values derived from the C₃₆ n‐alkane assay are the most reliable absolute values. Apparent digestibility ranges thus determined were 63.5–74.3% for dry matter, 73.4–82.4% for crude protein, 49.9–62.2% for neutral detergent fiber, and 49.7–63.7% for acid detergent fiber. However, digestibility data gained by the ADL method provided the most stringent inter‐individual comparisons. It is concluded that both alkanes and lignin can be used for giraffe digestibility studies. These captive giraffes ingested a smaller quantity of food than has been reported for other giraffes from both the wild and other zoos. Energetic calculations showed that these animals might be on the brink of an energy deficit. A similar situation has been described at least once before in captive giraffes, and the results are of direct relevance to the peracute mortality syndrome, a condition of captive giraffes in which severe depletion of body fat stores occurs. Reasons for the seemingly low food intake could not be elucidated, but observations suggested that these giraffes were ready to ingest more if more palatable or suitable food was offered. Monitoring food intake in other giraffe groups and designing a diet that is both palatable and nutritious are important objectives of captive giraffe management. Zoo Biol 20:315–329, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Structural and nonstructural carbohydrate,fat, and protein composition of commercially available,whole produce

Previously reported values for produce items often reflect only the human edible portion although animals generally eat the entire item. Produce can comprise a significant proportion of a captive, exotic animal's diet; therefore, nutrient values based on whole items will enable a more accurate diet formulation. Whole produce items, including fruits, vegetables, and leafy green vegetables, were analyzed for dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, crude protein, fat, ash, pectin, fructan, and free sugar concentrations. The free sugars were typed and quantified. As expected, the produce contained low concentrations of neutral detergent fiber, averaging 13.4% for fruits, 18.8% for vegetables, and 21.5% for leafy green vegetables/other items on a 100% dry matter basis. Produce ranged substantially in structural and nonstructural carbohydrates, protein, fat, and free‐sugar concentration. Free‐sugar ratios of glucose, fructose, and sucrose varied among items. This information can be used for more accurate formulation of zoological diets. Zoo Biol 0:1–15, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Soybean milk residue ensiled with peanut hulls: fermentation acids, cell wall composition, and silage utilization by mixed ruminal microorganisms

Preservation of soybean milk residue (SMR) by ensiling with peanut hulls (PEH) and subsequent utilization of silage by mixed ruminal microorganisms were investigated. Treatments were combinations of SMR with PEH at the following ratios: 100:0, 78:22, 71:29, and 60:40 (fresh weight basis). After eight weeks of ensiling, silage lactic acid, crude protein, ether extract, and non-fiber carbohydrates were highest when SMR was ensiled alone and reduced as amounts of SMR decreased. Similar trends were observed for silage in vitro dry matter digestibility, and gas and volatile fatty acid production by ruminal microorganisms. Conversely, silage pH, dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, cellulose, and lignin increased accordingly. The ensiling treatment appeared to alter silage cell wall composition. In particular, silage treated with PEH at the low level (78:22) resulted in reduced fiber contents and lignification. The silage (SMR:PEH=78:22) had enhanced efficiency of both silage fermentation and in vitro ruminal fermentation pattern.     

The effect of white-rot basidiomycetes on chemical composition andin Vitro digestibility of wheat straw

Five white-rot basidiomycetes were evaluated for their potential to improve ruminal degradation of wheat straw.Polyorus brumalis, Lyophyllum ulmarium III,Trametes gibbosa, Pleurotus ostreatus, and aPleurotus ostreatus mutant were incubated on wheat straw for 30 d at 28°C. Detergent fiber, crude protein andin vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) were determined. The results showed increasing crude protein and ash contents in fungus-treated straw. IVDMD values were increased in straws treated withP. ostreatus, P. ostreatus mutant andT. gibbosa only. Relative to untreated wheat straw the detergent fiber content—neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) was reduced in fungus-treated straw and out of three fractions—hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin, hemicellulose showed the largest proportionate loss whereas lignin the smallest one in all 5 samples of fungus treated straw.     

Changes in the digestibility of constituents of the diet in the rabbit]

Fiber digestibility of two diets (the first based on alfalfa dried, the second based on beet-pulp dried) with the same level of crude fiber and crude protein was measured on rabbits of 6, 7, 11, 13 and 17 weeks old. The age has no significative effect on digestibility (dry matter, organic matter, crude fiber) of the two experimental diets. The quantity of cellulose and hemicellulose digested was greater in rabbits on the pulp diet. Independantly of the diet hemicellulose is more digestible than cellulose. Expediency of use other analytical test than crude fiber in the nutritional requirements of rabbits is discussed.     

Effect of six species of white-rot basidiomycetes on the chemical composition and rumen degradability of wheat straw

This study was conducted to investigate changes in in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), volatile fatty acids (VFA) production and cell-wall constituent degradation in wheat straw treated with six white-rot fungi: Daedalea quercina, Hericium clathroides, Phelinus laevigatus, Inonotus andersonii, Inonotus obliquus, and Inonotus dryophilus. The incubation of wheat straw for 30 days at 28 C improved IVDMD from 41.4 (control) to 59.2% for D. quercina, 56.3% for H. clathroides, 50.2% for P. laevigatus, 51.4% for I. andersonii, 52% for I. obliquus, and 55.9% for I. dryophilus. In contrast, the growth of fungi was accompanied by the dry matter loss of wheat straw: 43% for D. quercina, 12% for H. clathroides, and 22-25% for the other fungi. It is evident that the increase in digestibility by D. quercina was not offset by a loss of dry matter. The total VFA production during the rumen fermentation of fungus-treated straw was slightly increased by H. clathroides and I. dryophilus only. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were reduced in fungus-treated straw. Out of the three fractions (hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin), hemicellulose and lignin showed the largest proportionate loss after inoculation with the fungi D. quercina, H. clathroides, P. laevigatus, and I. obliquus. The other two fungi showed the largest proportionate loss in cellulose and hemicellulose contents. The results of this study suggest that the digestion enhancement of wheat straw colonized by white-rot fungi is regulated by complex factors including the degradation of structural carbohydrates and lignin.     

The Dominance of Introduced Plant Species in the Diets of Migratory Galapagos Tortoises Increases with Elevation on a Human‐Occupied Island

The distribution of resources and food selection are fundamental to the ecology, life history, physiology, population dynamics, and conservation of animals. Introduced plants are changing foraging dynamics of herbivores in many ecosystems often with unknown consequences. Galapagos tortoises, like many herbivores, undertake migrations along elevation gradients driven by variability in vegetation productivity which take them into upland areas dominated by introduced plants. We sought to characterize diet composition of two species of Galapagos tortoises, focussing on how the role of introduced forage species changes over space and the implications for tortoise conservation. We quantified the distribution of tortoises with elevation using GPS telemetry. Along the elevation gradient, we quantified the abundance of introduced and native plant species, estimated diet composition by recording foods consumed by tortoises, and assessed tortoise physical condition from body weights and blood parameter values. Tortoises ranged between 0 and 429 m in elevation over which they consumed at least 64 plant species from 26 families, 44 percent of which were introduced species. Cover of introduced species and the proportion of introduced species in tortoise diets increased with elevation. Introduced species were positively selected for by tortoises at all elevations. Tortoise physical condition was either consistent or increased with elevation at the least biologically productive season on Galapagos. Santa Cruz tortoises are generalist herbivores that have adapted their feeding behavior to consume many introduced plant species that has likely made a positive contribution to tortoise nutrition. Some transformed habitats that contain an abundance of introduced forage species are compatible with tortoise conservation.     

Nutritive value of forage biomass from sainfoin mixtures

Forage quality characteristics of field-grown mixtures of sainfoin with cocksfoot (50:50%), sainfoin with tall fescue (50:50%), and the same with the addition of subterranean clover in their composition (33:33:33%) were measured. Forage biomass from the mixtures of sainfoin with cocksfoot had generally higher forage quality than mixtures with tall fescue. It had higher crude protein content (11.52% of dry matter (with 1.07% units), significantly higher digestibility (61.74%) (with 6.51% units), higher neutral detergent fiber content (53.42%) (with 3.22% units), higher nutritive value (Unité Fourragère Viande – Unité Fourragère Lait, 0.690–0.583) and higher protein feeding value (Total Digestible Protein – Protein digestible dans l’intestine in dependence of nitrogen – Protein digestible dans l’intestine in dependence of energy), 72–70–79 g/kg of dry matter. Forage biomass showed more balanced basic chemical composition after the addition of subterranean clover, i.e.: higher crude protein content (with 0.30% units) and lower crude fiber content (with 0.14% units) for mixtures with cocksfoot; higher digestibility (with 0.29% units) for mixtures with cocksfoot; lower neutral detergent fiber content (with 0.45% units) for mixtures with cocksfoot and with 3.15% units for mixtures with tall fescue, higher energy feeding value (Unité Fourragère Viande – Unité Fourragère Lait) (with 0.007–0.012 for mixtures with cocksfoot and with 0.009–0.014 for mixtures with tall fescue), higher protein feeding value for both mixtures with cocksfoot and tall fescue. Forage biomass from mixtures of sainfoin with cocksfoot and Trifolium subterraneum ssp. brachycalicinum had the highest crude protein (11.89% of dry matter), the lowest crude fiber content (27.07% of dry matter) and the highest digestibility (62.81% of dry matter).     

Body size development of captive and free‐ranging Leopard tortoises (Geochelone pardalis)

The growth and weight development of Leopard tortoise hatchings (Geochelone pardalis) kept at the Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation (AWWP), Qatar, was observed for more than four years, and compared to data in literature for free‐ranging animals on body weight or carapace measurements. The results document a distinctively faster growth in the captive animals. Indications for the same phenomenon in other tortoise species (Galapagos giant tortoises, G. nigra; Spur‐thighed tortoises, Testudo graeca; Desert tortoises, Gopherus agassizi) were found in the literature. The cause of the high growth rate most likely is the constant provision with highly digestible food of low fiber content. Increased growth rates are suspected to have negative consequences such as obesity, high mortality, gastrointestinal illnesses, renal diseases, “pyramiding,” fibrous osteodystrophy or metabolic bone disease. The apparently widespread occurrence of high growth rates in intensively managed tortoises underlines how easily ectothermic animals can be oversupplemented with nutrients. Zoo Biol 29:517–525, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Effect of manganese on preferential degradation of lignin by Pleurotus ostreatus during solid-state fermentation.

Practical utilization of the polysaccharides in the lignocellulosic complex is limited because of the high lignin content of the complex. In this study we focused on the effect of Mn on lignin and cellulose biodegradation during solid-state fermentation by the edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus. Preferential degradation of lignin was enhanced by the addition of Mn(II) to cotton stalks at concentrations ranging from 30 to 620 micrograms of Mn per g. This effect was most apparent when we compared mineralization rates of [14C] lignin with mineralization rates of [14C] cellulose. Enhanced selectivity was also observed when we analyzed residual organic matter at the end of the fermentation period by using crude fiber analysis. The cellulose fraction in the original material was 1.8 times larger than the cellulose fraction of lignin. The cellulose/lignin ratio increased during 32 days of solid-state fermentation from 2.5 in the control to 3.3 following the addition of Mn to the medium. The in vitro digestibility value for fermented cotton stalks was 53% of the dry matter. Addition of 600 micrograms of Mn per g to the cotton stalks resulted in a digestibility value of 65.4%. Enhancement of preferential lignin degradation could be result of either increased activity of the ligninolytic enzymes or production of Mn (III), which might preferentially degrade aromatic structures in the lignocellulosic complex.     

Variability in structural carbohydrates and in vitro digestibility of forages. 4. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

The chemical composition of ten genotypes of fenugreek, with and without a pretreatment with neutral detergent, has been determined together with dry matter digestibility in vitro. Preliminary extraction with neutral detergent lowered the percentage yield of acid detergent fibre and about 84% of this decrease was observed in the reduction of cellulose level.Dry matter digestibility in vitro was significantly correlated with acid detergent and cellulose when sequential extraction was done. It was considered necessary to use sequential analysis to determine the chemical composition of fenugreek forage.     

Intake,digestibility, and passage of a commercially designed diet by two propithecus species

The digestibility and passage of an experimental diet was used to compare the digestive physiology of two Propithecus species: P. verreauxi and P. tattersalli. Though both animals have a similar feeding ecology, the captive status of P. verreauxi is considered more stable than that of P. tattersalli. The test diet included a local tree species, Rhus copallina, at 15% of dry matter intake (DMI) and Mazuri Leafeater Primate Diet at 85% of DMI. The chemical composition of the diet (dry matter basis) was 25% crude protein, 34% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and 22% acid detergent fiber (ADF) with a gross energy of 4.52 kcal/g. After a 6 week acclimation to the experimental diet, animals were placed in research caging. After a 7 day adjustment period, animals were dosed with chromium mordant and Co‐EDTA as markers for digesta passage and all feed refusals and feces were collected at timed intervals for 7 days. Digestibility values, similar for both species, were approximately 65% for dry matter, crude protein, and energy, and 40% and 35% respectively, for NDF and ADF. Transit times (17–18.5 hr) and mean retention times (31–34 hr) were not significantly different between species, and there was no difference between the chromium mordant and Co‐EDTA. Serum values for glucose, urea, and non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were obtained during four different time periods to monitor nutritional status. While there was no change in serum glucose, serum urea increased over time. The NEFAs increased across all four time periods for P. verreauxi and increased for the first three periods then decreased in the last period for P. tattersalli. Results obtained indicate no difference in digestibility nor digesta passage between species, and that both Propithecus species were similar to other post‐gastric folivores. Am. J. Primatol. 48:237–246, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Effects of fibre on digestibility and passage time in callithricidae

The effects of fibre in a pelleted diet on food intake, digestibility of crude fibre, dry matter and energy, on passage time and consistency of faeces were studied in 2 species of Callithricidae, Callithrix jacchus and Saguinus fuscicollis. Coarse cellulose, microcellulose, wheat bran and shrimp meal (chitin = crude fibre) were tested in diets containing 2,4 and 6% total crude fibre, respectively. Digestibility and passage time were determined by inclusion of 0.5% Cr2O3 in the diet. Both celluloses had little influence on the digestibility of energy and dry matter. Digestibility of crude fibre was very low. Wheat bran led to evident depression of energy and dry matter digestibility. High digestibility of crude fibre occurred at the higher levels of inclusion in the diet. Shrimp meal was highly digested with little influence on digestibility of energy and dry matter, indicating considerable degradation of chitin. Wheat bran showed a marked effect, while microcellulose had no effect on passage time, consistency and volume of faeces.     

Improvement of cell wall digestibility in tall fescue by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> SECONDARY WALL NAC DOMAIN PROTEIN2 chimeric repressor

Forage digestibility is one of the most important factors in livestock performance. As grasses grow and mature, dry matter increases but they become fibrous with secondary cell wall deposition and lignification of sclerenchyma cells, and forage quality drops. In rice (Oryza sativa), the SECONDARY WALL NAC DOMAIN PROTEIN2 fused with the modified EAR-like motif repression domain (OsSWN2-SRDX) reduces secondary cell wall thickening in sclerenchyma cells. We introduced OsSWN2-SRDX under the control of the OsSWN1 promoter into tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) to increase cell wall digestibility. Of 23 transgenic plants expressing OsSWN2-SRDX, nine had brittle internodes that were easily broken by bending. Their secondary cell walls were significantly thinner than those of the wild type in interfascicular fibers of internodes and in cortical fiber cells between leaf epidermal cells and vascular bundles. The dry matter digestibility increased by 11.8% in stems and by 6.8% in leaves compared with the wild type, and therefore forage quality was improved. In stem interfascicular fibers, acid detergent fiber and acid insoluble lignin were greatly reduced. Thus, the reduction of indigestible fiber composed of cellulose and lignin increased the degradability of sclerenchyma cell walls. OsSWN2-SRDX plants offer great potential in the genetic improvement of forage digestibility.     

Energy supply of the okapi in captivity: intake and digestion trials

In the nutrition of browsing ruminants in captivity, adequate nutrient digestibility and energy content of diet is debated. Problems related to energy‐provision and low forage intake have been reported for the okapi and other browsers like the giraffe, particularly during winter. High‐fiber concentrates like unmolassed beet pulp have some potential to improve the nutritional management of these species. Using a total of six okapis in captivity, seven feeding trials were carried out at two facilities (A+B) on a structured but opportunistic base. Three trials (A₁, A₂, B₁) were conducted when animals were fed their regular diet including grain based energy concentrates, fruits and vegetables, and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) hay. Two trials (A₅, B₂) examined the effect of unmolassed beet pulp, and two (A₃,₄) examined the effect of unmolassed beet pulp+fresh browse. Daily intake and feces production were quantified over 8–12 days. Samples were analyzed for dry matter, crude ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF)/acid detergent fiber (ADF)/acid detergent lignin (ADL), crude protein, and gross energy. Metabolizable energy content of diets was estimated via a factor (0.83) from digestible energy. The proportion of beet pulp in diets was 13% (A₃), 24% (A₄), 20% (A₅), and 21% (B₂). Browse proportion was 11% (A₃) and 32% (A₄). Daily feed intake ranged between 1.5–1.7% of body weight (BW), digestibility of organic matter between 61–74%. Digestibility of fiber (NDF) was higher in beet pulp diets (A₃=39%, A₄=60%, A₅=54%, B₂=61%) than in the others (A₁=48%, A₂=33%, B₁=48%). Supply of metabolizable energy (ME) ranged between 0.50–0.70 MJ ME/(kg BW^0.75*day), meeting energy requirements of okapis of 0.50–0.53 MJ ME/(kg BW^0.75*day) in general. Diets with beet pulp+browse were not found to be highest, but in the upper level of the range of forage proportions of this study. Palatable browse species were preferred over all other feedstuff offered. The use of unmolassed beet pulp as energy‐concentrate for browsing ruminants like the okapi can be recommended because diets high in this high‐fibre feedstuff resulted in adequate energy intakes. Zoo Biol 0:1–14, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Biodegradation of tannins in oak (Quercus incana) leaves by Sporotrichum pulverulentum

Fermentation of oak leaves with Sporotrichum pulverulentum decreased the contents of total phenols and condensed tannins by 58 and 66% respectively in 10 d. The protein precipitation capacity decreased by 65%. Further increase of fermentation time up to 40 d did not increase substantially, the tannin degradation. Following fermentation, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin decreased by 12–16%, 8–10%, 31–51%, 0.3-3% and 14–15% respectively. The loss in dry matter was from 17–21%. The in sacco dry matter digestibility of the fermented leaves was 17% compared to 27% for the unfermented leaves.