Apparently the protein content is the reason why leucaena is the most widely used plant species as a source of protein, since it has an outstanding forage quality, the leaves contain up to 30% crude protein and its palatability is excellent, mainly for ruminants in most tropical and subtropical countries.
▶ It is claimed that the nutritional value of leucaena can be as high as the value of a concentrated protein, such as casein (phosphoprotein present in milk) for example, as long as 2 to 4 kg of green matter per cow is provided daily.
▶ Credits: thenewhumanitarian – [Image of Public Domain]
Surplus protein and energy are essential to efficiently guarantee the rate of glucose synthesis and nitrogen retention by the animal (increased milk production, higher reproductive efficiency and higher weight gains).
Additionally, an adequate protein/energy ratio is required for the rumen to optimize its functions of transforming a cheap feed into digestible end products that guarantee weight gain rates, reproductive efficiency and milk production.
In this sense, leucaena is a plant that contains surplus protein, reason for which the animal responses are satisfactory having thus a high volume of data has been published in most tropical countries on animal production when leucaena is fed, confirming the high value of leucaena as a forage species.