Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. (Simaroubaceae) Leaf: as a Potential Fodder Additive

R.Sumathi, D. Rajasugunasekar, B. Brindha, R. Lakshmidevi, D. Suresh Babu, N. Senthilkumar, S.Murugesan

Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. (Simaroubaceae) a promising multi-purpose tree species, as an important source of dietary nutrients, alleviate the fodder scarcity and thereby significantly boost the livestock production. The present study entailed to analyse the nutritional status of the leaf of Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. to find out its utility as food additive to ruminants. The proximate analysis revealed the presence of high moisture, total ash and acid insoluble ash contents. This plant is a good source of protein and total free amino acid was quantified high in accessions from Coimbatore, Salem, Dharmapuri, Dindigul, Theni and Trichy. Crude fat and crude fiber contents were found in substantial quantity. The anti metabolites nitrite (and most dangerous fungal toxins Aflatoxin was found in non traceable quantity, thereby the toxicity of the leaf of A.excelsa was ruled out. In view of the fact, A.excelsa leaves enriched with nutrients, especially with high protein content can be recommended as an efficient fodder for ruminants/cattle.