Some chemical and biological measurements of two contrasting cultivars of Gliricidia sepium (Jacq) Kunth ex Walp

Abstract

Some chemical and biological measurements of two contrasting cultivars of Gliricidia sepium, one grown in Cuba (22°, 55' N and 82°, 01' W) and one in Ghana (5°, 05' N and 1°, 13' W), were determined. Leaves of the Cuban cultivar had higher crude protein content; both browses showed similar essential amino acid content. The Ghana cultivar contained more polyphenols than cv. Cuba. The contents of phytates and haemagglutinating activity were higher in the Cuba cultivar. Levels of protease inhibitors were low and no µ- amylase inhibitory activity was detected. Rumen degradation of dry matter and crude protein was high and similar in both browses. In general, the cumulative gas production in both cultivars was high (more than 30 ml at 48 h incubation) and was not affected by action of polyphenols. More research work is needed to establish how environment and plant interactions can influence the nutritive value of Gliricidia sepium foliage