Nutrients content in fodder trees leaves, grasses and legumes available in buffalo growing areas of Nepal

Fodder samples of 30 fodder tree species and 32 grasses and legumes species were collected for proximate composition, fiber fraction, calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) from buffalo growing areas of Nepal. The samples were analyzed in animal nutrition laboratory in Khumaltar. The mean dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), cellulose (Cel), hemicellulose (Hem), lignin (Lig), Ca. and P. content were 33.10, 14.37, 21.90, 6.45, 18.20, 2.20 and 0.25 percent on dry matter basis respectively recorded from fodder trees leaves. Similarly, the mean DM, CP, Cel, Hem, Lig, Ca, and P content were 24.70, 13.92, 34.21, 14.42, 12.38, 0.38 and 0.35 percent on dry matter basis respectively recorded from grasses and legumes. Combination of fodder trees leaves, grasses, legumes and concentrate could make the complete ration for indigenous as well as crossbred buffaloes in the hills and plain areas of Nepal.