Abstract
Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.), a crop presently grown in many parts of the world as a source of fiber or paper pulp, was evaluated as a possible feed for ruminant animals. Kenaf forage grown under irrigation in Yuma, AR and harvested after 130 days growth analyzed 11.0% crude protein, 52.0% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), 41.2% acid detergent fiber (ADF), 30.0% cellulose, 10.5% lignin, 2.9% ether extract and 11.8% ash. Digestibility coefficients for ground kenaf hay were determined and compared with those for ground alfalfa hay in a trial with eight growing lambs. The lambs were pair-fed and daily feed intake, which averaged 3.0% of body weight, was limited in each pair by the lamb consuming kenaf. All chemical fractions except ADF, crude protein and ether extract were less digestible (P<.05) in kenaf than in alfalfa. On a dry matter basis, digestible energy of kenaf hay was 2,028 kcal/kg compared with 2,727 kcal/kg for alfalfa hay (P<.05). Samples of kenaf forage obtained after 65 and 80 days growth contained more crude protein and lower levels of cell wall components than the hay harvested after 130 days and differences (P<.05) in composition were observed even between the 65- and 80-day samples. In vitro dry matter disappearance for samples obtained at 65 and 80 days was 78 and 72%, respectively (P<.05) compared with 63% for an alfalfa hay standard. The data indicate that kenaf forage has potential as a feedstuff for ruminants, particularly if harvested at an early stage of maturity. Copyright © 1978. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1978 by American Society of Animal Science.