Dietary Incorporation of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) and Hedge lucerne (Desmanthus virgatus) leaves in Pelleted Concentrate Feeds: Impacts on Intake, Growth Performance, Digestibility and Nutritional worth in Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Calves

Dietary Incorporation of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) and Hedge lucerne (Desmanthus virgatus) leaves in Pelleted Concentrate Feeds: Impacts on Intake, Growth Performance, Digestibility and Nutritional worth in Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Calves | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Dietary Incorporation of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) and Hedge lucerne (Desmanthus virgatus) leaves in Pelleted Concentrate Feeds: Impacts on Intake, Growth Performance, Digestibility and Nutritional worth in Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Calves Pallabi Das, Rajesh Kumar Dhuria, Rajesh Kumar Sawal This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-9084144/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract The present study evaluated the effect of incorporation of Moringa and Hedge lucerne leaves into pelleted concentrate feed on nutrient intake, growth performance, body measurements, digestibility, rumen degradability and practical nutritional worth in camel calves. Three dietary treatments were formulated: a control pelleted concentrate feed without any leaf incorporation (T 1 ), pelleted concentrate feed containing 10% moringa leaves (T 2 ), and pelleted concentrate feed containing 10% hedge lucerne leaves (T 3 ). Results indicated that DMI, CFI, NDFI, ADFI and EEI were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the leaf-incorporated pelleted concentrate diets compared to control. Camel calves fed moringa-based diet exhibited superior average daily gain and improved feed conversion ratio relative to T 1 treatment group. Body measurements, including heart girth and tail length were significantly enhanced in T 2 and T 3 treatment groups. Digestibility of dietary protein and ether extract was significantly (P < 0.01) higher on moringa-based diet. In-vitro rumen degradability and practical nutritional worth indices (DCP, TDN, ME) also improved in the leaf-incorporated feeds; more advantage was observed with moringa leaf-based feed. Overall, incorporation of leaf based pelleted concentrate diet (Moringa and Hedge lucerne) improved nutrient utilization, growth performance and dietary energy value without adverse effects which revealed their properties as sustainable alternative feed resources for livestock feeding system. Camel calves Moringa Hedge lucerne Pelleted concentrate feed Digestibility Introduction Feed scarcity, increasing costs of conventional concentrate ingredients and competition between human and livestock food resources remain major constraints to sustainable livestock production, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions (FAO 2020 ; Makkar 2023 ). Camel production systems, though well adapted to harsh environments, are increasingly transitioning toward semi-intensive and intensive management systems, where balanced and cost-effective feeding strategies are essential to maximize growth and productivity (Faye 2020 ; Al-Hazmi et al. 2022 ). Tree legumes and fodder shrubs have gained attention as alternative feed resources due to their high crude protein content, favourable amino acid profile, bioactive compounds and adaptability to marginal area (Patra et al. 2019 ; Makkar et al. 2021 ). Among these, Moringa and Hedge lucerne are significant for their high nutritive value, digestibility, and antioxidant potential (Leone et al. 2018 ; Devendra et al. 2021 ). Moringa leaves are rich in rumen-degradable and bypass protein, minerals and polyphenols, which may enhance rumen fermentation efficiency and nutrient utilization (Moyo et al. 2020 ; Nouman et al. 2022 ). Another promising fodder is Hedge lucerne, which is known for its adaptability, moderate tannin content and positive effects on fibre digestion when used judiciously (Dalzell et al. 2019 ; Suybeng et al. 2021 ). Pelleting of concentrate feeds has been shown to improve feed intake, reduce selective feeding, enhance nutrient density, and stabilize rumen fermentation (Abd El-Tawab et al. 2019 ; Zhang et al. 2023 ). Incorporation of leaves into pelleted concentrate diets can further enhance the utilization of unconventional feed resources while maintaining physical and nutritional uniformity. However, information on the combined effects of leaf-incorporated pelleted concentrate feeds on intake, growth, digestibility, rumen degradability and nutritional worth in camel calves remains limited. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of Moringa and Hedge lucerne leaves incorporated into pelleted concentrate feed on nutrient intake, growth performance, body measurements, nutrient digestibility, in-vitro rumen degradability and practical nutritional worth in camel calves. Materials and methods Ethics approval The protocol of experiment was sanctioned by Institutional Animal Ethical Committee (IAEC) of the College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner (RAJUVAS), IAEC/CPCEA (Approval No.-IAEC/RES/14/03). Animals were cared and managed as per protocol and directives of IAEC. Location of experiment The study was conducted at ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel (NRCC), located in the Jorbeer area of Bikaner city, Rajasthan, India. The Centre is situated at 28°01′ N latitude and 73°11′ E longitude, with a time zone of GMT + 05:30 h. The climate is characterized as hot and arid, with low and erratic annual rainfall ranging from 260 to 440 mm. Ambient temperatures generally range from 30 to 48°C during summer and from 4 to 28°C during winter. The experiment was carried out from May to December 2024, during which the minimum and maximum ambient temperatures ranged from 15°C to 41°C, respectively, while relative humidity varied between 22% and 60%. Experimental Feed and Animals Three iso-nitrogenous pelleted concentrate feeds were formulated on DM basis using conventional roughages (T 1 ), 10% Moringa leaf incorporated pelleted concentrate feed (T 2 ), and 10% Hedge lucerne leaf incorporated pelleted concentrate feed (T 3 ). The roughage component consisted of crop residue of groundnut ( Arachis hypogea ) and guar ( Cymopsis tetragonaloba ) mixed in 50:50 ratio. The nutrient requirements of the experimental animals were formulated to meet ICAR ( 2013 ) standards. Fifteen healthy un-weaned female camel calves of similar age (3–4 months), body weight and uniform conformation were randomly selected from the camel herd of ICAR-NRCC, Bikaner. The calves were randomly allotted to three treatment groups (@ 5 each) for a feeding trial of 180 days. Statistical analysis The data generated during the experiment was subjected to statistical analysis using by SPSS statistical software (2011) Version 20.0 and the data were statistically analyzed using one-way and two-way ANOVA procedures for difference between treatments and periods. The difference between means was declared significant at P < 0.05 and P < 0.01. Duncan’s multiple range test was conducted for comparing among the averages. Result and discussion Chemical composition analysis of experimental feed The chemical composition of feed is usually considered as preliminary index for the assessment of quality of feed. Moringa leaves contained 23.22% DM, 91.31% OM, 25.06% CP, 17.35% CF, 4.42% EE, 17.37% total ash, 35.77% NFE, 39.53% NDF, 32.24% ADF, 7.29% hemicellulose, 22.40% cellulose and 7.28% lignin. Hedge lucerne leaves showed comparatively higher DM (25.03%), OM (91.88%), CP (26.30%) and EE (16.22%), with CF, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin contents of 14.45%, 34.60%, 7.79%, 13.31% and 9.88%, respectively. The pelleted concentrate feeds in T 1 , T 2 and T 3 treatment groups had comparable DM (95.99–96.76%) and OM (95.64–96.67%) contents. CP was higher in leaf-incorporated pelleted concentrate diets (T 2 : 18.24%; T 3 : 18.02%) treatment groups compared to control (T 1 : 17.14%). EE ranged from 3.43 to 4.38%, while T 3 treatment groups recorded the highest CF (9.71%) and lowest NFE (49.56%) and T 2 treatment groups revealed the lowest CF (6.70%) and highest NFE (54.96%). Total ash varied from 6.64 to 8.70%. Fibre fractions (NDF and ADF) were higher in T 3 treatment group, whereas hemicellulose was lowest in T 3 treatment group. Cellulose and lignin contents varied moderately among treatments. Nutrient Intake Leaf incorporation significantly influenced nutrient intake patterns (Table 1 ). DMI (kg/d) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in T 2 and T 3 compared to the control. Fibre fraction intakes (CFI, NDFI, and ADFI) and EEI were also significantly increased in leaf-incorporated diets. However, DMI in terms of 100 kg/ body weight and W 0.75 did not differ significantly among treatments. Growth Performance and Feed Efficiency Camel calves fed moringa and hedge lucerne based pelleted concentrate feeds revealed significantly higher final body weight and average daily gain compared to the control (Table 2 ). Feed conversion ratio was significantly improved (lower FCR) in T 2 and T 3 , indicating enhanced feed efficiency with leaf incorporation. Body Measurements Body measurements showed significant improvements in T 2 and T 3 (Table 3 ). Heart girth, tail length and body height (cm) were significantly greater in T 2 and T 3 , denoting better skeletal and muscular development compared to T 1 . Nutrient Digestibility Digestibility coefficients of CP and EE were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the moringa-based diet (Table 4 ). DMD and OMD were numerically improved in T 2 , while fibre digestibility remained comparable among treatments. In-vitro Rumen Degradability In-vitro dry matter and crude protein degradability were significantly higher in T 2 compared to T 1 (Table 5 ), indicating improved rumen degradability of nutrients in moringa-incorporated pellets. Practical Nutritional Worth and Digestible Nutrient Intake Diets containing moringa leaves displayed significantly higher digestible crude protein, total digestible nutrients and metabolizable energy values; although the energy: protein ratio remained statistically comparable (Table 6 ). Digestible crude protein intake expressed on a metabolic body weight basis was significantly higher in T 2 (Table 7 ), while other digestible nutrient intake parameters remained comparable across treatments. Table 1 Effect of Moringa and Hedge lucerne leaves on nutrient intake in different treatment groups Attributes Treatment groups SEM P value T 1 T 2 T 3 T P T×P DMI (kg/d) 2.84 a 3.11 b 3.10 b 0.05 0.001 0.001 0.912 DMI (kg/100kg BW) 1.87 1.78 1.88 0.04 0.362 0.127 0.999 DMI (g/kg W 0.75 ) 65.32 64.66 66.89 1.57 0.515 0.001 0.998 OMI (kg/d) 1.93 2.06 2.04 0.04 0.004 0.058 0.991 OMI (kg/100kg BW) 1.31 1.23 1.29 0.04 0.241 0.001 1.000 OMI (g/kg W 0.75 ) 45.58 44.21 45.59 1.12 0.527 0.001 1.000 CPI (kg/d) 0.34 0.36 0.37 0.00 0.091 0.051 0.819 CFI (kg/d) 0.59 a 0.65 b 0.63 b 0.01 0.001 0.001 0.745 EEI (kg/d) 0.06 a 0.08 b 0.08 b 0.00 0.001 0.001 0.998 NDFI (kg/d) 0.72 a 0.78 b 0.79 b 0.03 0.002 0.003 1.000 ADFI (kg/d) 0.22 a 0.36 c 0.31 c 0.00 0.001 0.001 0.446 T = treatment effect; P = period effect; T × P = interaction between treatment and period. SEM: Standard error for means. Means within a row bearing different superscripts (a, b, c) differ significantly (P < 0.05)/(P < 0.01); DMI-Dry matter intake; OMI-Organic matter intake; CPI-Crude protein intake; CFI-Crude fibre intake; EEI-Ether extract intake; NDFI-Neutral detergent fibre intake; ADFI-Acid detergent fibre intake Table 2 Effect of Moringa and Hedge lucerne leaves on live body weight (kg), average daily gain (g/d) and feed conversion ratio in different treatment groups Attributes Treatment groups SEM P value T 1 T 2 T 3 T P T×P Initial weight (kg) 109.40 119.60 109.40 6.92 0.001 0.001 1.000 Final weight (kg) 150.36 a 170.20 b 162.87 b 10.85 Average daily gain (g/d) 530.00 a 644.44 b 636.66 b 25.61 0.001 0.004 0.172 Feed conversion ratio 6.45 b 5.13 a 5.29 a 0.33 0.015 0.126 0.196 T = treatment effect; P = period effect; T × P = interaction between treatment and period. SEM: Standard error for means. Means within a row bearing different superscripts (a, b) differ significantly (P < 0.01). Table 3 Effect of Moringa and Hedge lucerne leaves on body measurements in different treatment groups Attributes Treatment groups SEM P value T 1 T 2 T 3 T P T×P Body height (cm) 154.26 a 154.15 a 155.43 b 0.80 0.002 0.001 1.000 Body length (cm) 115.00 b 116.78 b 117.55 b 1.53 0.001 0.001 1.000 Heart girth(cm) 152.58 a 154.66 b 155.24 b 1.04 0.001 0.001 1.000 Tail length (cm) 43.70 a 46.66 b 45.86 c 0.82 0.001 0.001 0.963 T = treatment effect; P = period effect; T × P = interaction between treatment and period. SEM: Standard error for means. Means within a row bearing different superscripts (a, b) differ significantly (P < 0.01) Table 4 Effect of Moringa and Hedge lucerne leaves on nutrient and fibre fractions digestibility in different treatment groups Attributes (%) Treatment groups SEM P value T 1 T 2 T 3 DMD 56.44 ab 57.89 b 53.90 a 0.70 0.052 OMD 60.23 a 66.89 b 64.79 ab 1.18 0.051 CPD 61.87 a 69.68 b 63.66 a 1.15 0.004 CFD 40.95 45.13 42.41 1.20 0.387 EED 54.03 a 62.29 b 51.00 a 1.75 0.010 NDFD 49.71 48.61 42.32 2.87 0.561 ADFD 41.74 40.92 36.78 2.86 0.778 T = treatment effect; SEM: Standard error for means. Means within a row bearing different superscripts (a, b) differ significantly (P < 0.05)/(P < 0.01); DMD-Dry matter digestibility; OMD-Organic matter digestibility; CPD-Crude protein digestibility; CFD-Crude fibre digestibility; EED-Ether extract digestibility; NDFD-Neutral detergent fibre digestibility; ADFD-Acid detergent fibre digestibility. Table 5 Effect of Moringa and Hedge lucerne leaves on invitro rumen degradability in different treatment groups Attributes (%) Treatment groups SEM P value T 1 T 2 T 3 IVDMD 66.95 a 71.84 b 69.11 ab 0.84 0.040 IVOMD 68.13 67.32 66.95 0.61 0.763 IVCPD 58.38 a 64.01 b 60.19 ab 0.96 0.030 T = treatment effect; SEM: Standard error for means. Means within a row bearing different superscripts (a, b) differ significantly (P < 0.05); IVDMD- In-vitro dry matter digestibility; IVOMD- In-vitro organic matter digestibility; IVCPD- In-vitro crude protein digestibility. Table 6 Effect of Moringa and Hedge lucerne leaves on practical nutritional worth in different treatment groups (Nutritive value g/kg DM) Attributes Treatment groups SEM P value T 1 T 2 T 3 DCP (g/kg) 69.93 a 79.02 b 71.94 a 1.33 0.004 TDN (g/kg) 555.75 a 618.84 b 599.40 ab 11.04 0.043 ME (Mcal/kg) 2.45 a 2.73 b 2.64 ab 0.04 0.044 Energy: Protein ratio 7.96 7.83 8.34 0.14 0.350 T = treatment effect; SEM: Standard error for means. Means within a row bearing different superscripts (a, b) differ significantly (P < 0.05)/(P < 0.01); DM-Dry matter; DCP-Digestible crude protein; TDN-Total digestible nutrient intake; ME-Metabolisable energy. Table 7 Effect of Moringa and Hedge lucerne leaves on digestible nutrients intake in different treatment groups Attributes Treatment groups SEM P value T 1 T 2 T 3 DDMI kg/d 1.32 1.48 1.20 0.09 0.559 kg/100kg BW 0.85 0.87 0.75 0.26 0.751 g/kg W 0.75 53.43 54.34 49.47 3.83 0.877 DOMI kg/d 1.27 1.52 1.29 0.10 0.575 kg/100kg BW 0.81 0.90 0.80 0.07 0.835 g/kg W 0.75 28.92 32.67 28.63 2.42 0.778 DCPI kg/d 0.16 0.20 0.16 0.01 0.421 kg/100kg BW 0.10 0.12 0.10 0.00 0.641 g/kg W 0.75 3.02 a 3.77 b 3.31 ab 0.46 0.025 TDNI kg/d 1.31 1.58 1.32 0.10 0.539 kg/100kg BW 0.84 0.93 0.82 0.07 0.814 g/kg W 0.75 29.83 33.91 29.37 2.50 0.748 MEI Mcal/d 5.77 6.98 5.84 0.47 0.538 Mcal/100kg BW 3.71 4.12 3.61 0.32 0.584 kcal/kg W 0.75 131.27 149.21 129.24 11.02 0.815 T = treatment effect; SEM: Standard error for means. Means within a row bearing different superscripts (a, b) differ significantly (P < 0.05) Discussion Higher DMI was observed in T 2 and T 3 treatment groups due to better feed palatability and balanced nutrient availability, rather than differences in body size, since feed intake per unit metabolic weight was similar across all the treatments. Pelleting prevents selective feeding, resulting in more uniform nutrient intake in different treatment groups. In addition, Moringa and Hedge lucerne leaves provide easily fermentable carbohydrates and moderate fibre, which enhanced rumination and saliva secretion, supports sustained feed intake (Patra and Saxena 2020 ; Zhang et al. 2023 ). The present results agree with several earlier reports showing positive effects of Moringa and Hedge lucerne supplementation on feed intake and growth performance (Tona et al. 2014 ; Imran et al. 2016 ; Aharwal et al. 2018 ; Sonawane et al. 2019 ; Wandara et al. 2020 ; Patir et al. 2023 ). However, some studies reported no significant effect on dry matter, organic matter, or crude protein intake (Sarkar et al. 2021 ; Sharma et al. 2024 ). The better growth performance and improved feed conversion ratio observed in T 2 treatment group due to the higher crude protein intake, improved protein digestibility and greater in-vitro protein degradability. This dual protein supply improves microbial protein synthesis and the efficient use of metabolizable protein, leading to higher average daily gain and better feed efficiency (Leone et al. 2018 ; Nouman et al. 2022 ). The body measurements, particularly heart girth and body height in calves receiving leaf-incorporated pelleted concentrate diets reflect improved muscle and skeletal development due to dietary protein quality and energy availability. The presence of natural antioxidants, saponins and phenolic compounds in Moringa leaves may have contributed to stabilization of rumen microbial membranes and improved enzymatic activity, thereby enhancing lipid and protein hydrolysis (Faye 2020 ; Al-Hazmi et al. 2022 ; Patra et al. 2019 ; Suybeng et al. 2021 ; Elaidy et al. 2017 ; Kumar et al. 2018 ; Badawi et al. 2022 ; Bhokre et al. 2020 ; Sharma et al. 2024 ; Thirumeignanam et al. 2020; Maiti et al. 2022 ; Mouli and Sharada 2024 ). Higher in-vitro dry matter and crude protein degradability was observed in Moringa leaf incorporated pelleted concentrate diet which was suggestive of improved fermentability and microbial accessibility of nutrients. Pelleting combined with Moringa incorporation likely increased surface area exposure and reduced particle size, facilitating faster microbial colonization and enzymatic action (Dalzell et al. 2019 ; Makkar et al. 2021 ). Earlier observations (Dey et al. 2014 ; Maranatha et al. 2020 ), also revealed improved in-vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility with inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaf meal at 10% in complete feeds. In contrast, Nouala et al. ( 2006 ) observed no significant differences in in-vitro true digestibility at 10–20% Moringa supplementation. Variations among studies may be attributed to differences in plant secondary metabolites and nutrient interactions. Improved practical nutritional worth (DCP, TDN, ME and Energy: protein ratio) in the Moringa leaves incorporated diet provide strong nutritional justification for the superior performance. The comparable energy: protein ratio across different treatments indicates that the diets provided a balanced supply of energy and protein, which is essential for optimal growth of camel calves. Moreover, higher DCP and ME in T 2 treatment groups indicated a stable energy-protein relationship. Maintaining this balance prevents unnecessary loss of protein or energy which supports consistent growth of camel calves while maintaining metabolic efficiency. Even though digestible nutrient intake was similar among different treatments, the higher nutrient density and better feed conversion in T 2 treatment group suggest more efficient use of nutrients for growth rather than maintenance. This indicates the beneficial role of Moringa leaves in improving nutrient utilization and growth efficiency in camel calves (Aharwal et al. 2018 ; Abdel-Raheem and Hassan, 2021 ; Wankhede et al. 2022 ; Srivastav et al. 2023 ; Sherasiya et al. 2022 ; Mouli and Sharada 2024 ) which were suggestive of inclusion rate dependent effects on animal species. Conclusion Incorporation of Moringa and Hedge lucerne leaves into pelleted concentrate feed significantly improved nutrient intake, growth performance, feed efficiency, body development, digestibility, rumen degradability and dietary energy value in camel calves. Inclusion of Moringa leaves @ 10% level in the pelleted concentrate feed is the best proposition to achieve growth performance, digestibility of nutrients and nutritional worth in camel calves. These findings revealed that leaf-incorporated pelleted concentrate feeds can serve as nutritionally efficient and sustainable alternatives to conventional concentrate feeds in livestock production systems. Declarations Author contributions All authors contributed to the conception and design of the study. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Data availability The data that support the finding of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Declarations Ethical approval The protocol of experiment was sanctioned by Institutional Animal Ethical Committee (IAEC) of the College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner (RAJUVAS), IAEC/CPCEA (Approval No.-IAEC/RES/14/03). Animals were cared and managed as per protocol and directives of IAEC. Conflict of interest: None Acknowledgments Authors are highly grateful to Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi as well as ICAR-NRCC, Bikaner. A facility provided by ICAR-NRCC to conduct the research is also acknowledged. Authors are also grateful to Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner (RAJUVAS). References Abd El-Tawab MM, Khattab HM, El-Naggar HA (2019) Effect of pelleted complete feed on nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and growth performance of ruminants. 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Trop Anim Health Prod 52(5): 2453–2460 Wankhede RS, Patil AK, Thakare SV (2022) Nutrient digestibility and growth performance of goats fed Moringa oleifera leaf meal. Indian J Anim Nutr 39(4): 390–396 Zhang Y, Li Y, Wang Z (2023) Effects of pelleted complete feeds on intake, digestibility and rumen fermentation in ruminants. Anim Nutr 12:30–39 Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-9084144","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":613448553,"identity":"2687c544-8ba0-43bf-9f06-4ad41cdb6a06","order_by":0,"name":"Pallabi Das","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAABBklEQVRIiWNgGAWjYFAC5sYDjA0SjA0MjI0PPlSABJgbCGhhbIBqYT5sOOMMSAsjUVqAJANbmjBnG0QErwZz9oMNB37usJDt7z9jxsw4rzaavx2o5UfFNpxaLHsSGw72npEwnnEjx+xx4bbjuTMOMzYw9py5jVOLwYHEhgO8bRKJDTd4zI1nbjuW2wDUwszYhkfL+YcNB/8Ctcw/f8ZMmnfOsdz5BLXcSGw4DLJlw4G0NGnehprcDYS0WM542HBYFuiXjTeSgYF87EDuRqCWg/j8Ys6ffPDh2x11svPOHwRGZU1d7rzzhw8++FGBx2Fo/MNg8gBO9Vi01OFTPApGwSgYBSMUAADt22ttv0HyOQAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"","institution":"RAJUVAS: Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Pallabi","middleName":"","lastName":"Das","suffix":""},{"id":613448554,"identity":"af8a0a29-031e-43a1-8c14-d98ff34dd506","order_by":1,"name":"Rajesh Kumar Dhuria","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Rajesh","middleName":"Kumar","lastName":"Dhuria","suffix":""},{"id":613448555,"identity":"ec269d03-ec4a-4611-a4a4-53b3f27620ec","order_by":2,"name":"Rajesh Kumar Sawal","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"National Research Centre on Camel","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Rajesh","middleName":"Kumar","lastName":"Sawal","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2026-03-10 12:40:38","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9084144/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9084144/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":105904963,"identity":"e8fe52fb-9074-47cd-bec5-0b06e7d42a65","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-04-01 10:11:14","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":964875,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-9084144/v1/801c5269-6521-44d8-89be-c058b5746389.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"","formattedTitle":"Dietary Incorporation of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) and Hedge lucerne (Desmanthus virgatus) leaves in Pelleted Concentrate Feeds: Impacts on Intake, Growth Performance, Digestibility and Nutritional worth in Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Calves","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eFeed scarcity, increasing costs of conventional concentrate ingredients and competition between human and livestock food resources remain major constraints to sustainable livestock production, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions (FAO \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Makkar \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). Camel production systems, though well adapted to harsh environments, are increasingly transitioning toward semi-intensive and intensive management systems, where balanced and cost-effective feeding strategies are essential to maximize growth and productivity (Faye \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Al-Hazmi et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). Tree legumes and fodder shrubs have gained attention as alternative feed resources due to their high crude protein content, favourable amino acid profile, bioactive compounds and adaptability to marginal area (Patra et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e; Makkar et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Among these, Moringa and Hedge lucerne are significant for their high nutritive value, digestibility, and antioxidant potential (Leone et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e; Devendra et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Moringa leaves are rich in rumen-degradable and bypass protein, minerals and polyphenols, which may enhance rumen fermentation efficiency and nutrient utilization (Moyo et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Nouman et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). Another promising fodder is Hedge lucerne, which is known for its adaptability, moderate tannin content and positive effects on fibre digestion when used judiciously (Dalzell et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e; Suybeng et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Pelleting of concentrate feeds has been shown to improve feed intake, reduce selective feeding, enhance nutrient density, and stabilize rumen fermentation (Abd El-Tawab et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e; Zhang et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). Incorporation of leaves into pelleted concentrate diets can further enhance the utilization of unconventional feed resources while maintaining physical and nutritional uniformity. However, information on the combined effects of leaf-incorporated pelleted concentrate feeds on intake, growth, digestibility, rumen degradability and nutritional worth in camel calves remains limited. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of Moringa and Hedge lucerne leaves incorporated into pelleted concentrate feed on nutrient intake, growth performance, body measurements, nutrient digestibility, \u003cem\u003ein-vitro\u003c/em\u003e rumen degradability and practical nutritional worth in camel calves.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Materials and methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eEthics approval\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e The protocol of experiment was sanctioned by Institutional Animal Ethical Committee (IAEC) of the College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner (RAJUVAS), IAEC/CPCEA (Approval No.-IAEC/RES/14/03). Animals were cared and managed as per protocol and directives of IAEC.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLocation of experiment\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study was conducted at ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel (NRCC), located in the Jorbeer area of Bikaner city, Rajasthan, India. The Centre is situated at 28\u0026deg;01\u0026prime; N latitude and 73\u0026deg;11\u0026prime; E longitude, with a time zone of GMT\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;05:30 h. The climate is characterized as hot and arid, with low and erratic annual rainfall ranging from 260 to 440 mm. Ambient temperatures generally range from 30 to 48\u0026deg;C during summer and from 4 to 28\u0026deg;C during winter. The experiment was carried out from May to December 2024, during which the minimum and maximum ambient temperatures ranged from 15\u0026deg;C to 41\u0026deg;C, respectively, while relative humidity varied between 22% and 60%.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExperimental Feed and Animals\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree iso-nitrogenous pelleted concentrate feeds were formulated on DM basis using conventional roughages (T\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e), 10% Moringa leaf incorporated pelleted concentrate feed (T\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e), and 10% Hedge lucerne leaf incorporated pelleted concentrate feed (T\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e). The roughage component consisted of crop residue of groundnut (\u003cem\u003eArachis hypogea\u003c/em\u003e) and guar (\u003cem\u003eCymopsis tetragonaloba\u003c/em\u003e) mixed in 50:50 ratio. The nutrient requirements of the experimental animals were formulated to meet ICAR (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e) standards. Fifteen healthy un-weaned female camel calves of similar age (3\u0026ndash;4 months), body weight and uniform conformation were randomly selected from the camel herd of ICAR-NRCC, Bikaner. The calves were randomly allotted to three treatment groups (@ 5 each) for a feeding trial of 180 days.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStatistical analysis\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe data generated during the experiment was subjected to statistical analysis using by SPSS statistical software (2011) Version 20.0 and the data were statistically analyzed using one-way and two-way ANOVA procedures for difference between treatments and periods. The difference between means was declared significant at P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 and P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01. Duncan\u0026rsquo;s multiple range test was conducted for comparing among the averages.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Result and discussion","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eChemical composition analysis of experimental feed\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe chemical composition of feed is usually considered as preliminary index for the assessment of quality of feed. Moringa leaves contained 23.22% DM, 91.31% OM, 25.06% CP, 17.35% CF, 4.42% EE, 17.37% total ash, 35.77% NFE, 39.53% NDF, 32.24% ADF, 7.29% hemicellulose, 22.40% cellulose and 7.28% lignin. Hedge lucerne leaves showed comparatively higher DM (25.03%), OM (91.88%), CP (26.30%) and EE (16.22%), with CF, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin contents of 14.45%, 34.60%, 7.79%, 13.31% and 9.88%, respectively. The pelleted concentrate feeds in T\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e, T\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e and T\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e treatment groups had comparable DM (95.99\u0026ndash;96.76%) and OM (95.64\u0026ndash;96.67%) contents. CP was higher in leaf-incorporated pelleted concentrate diets (T\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e: 18.24%; T\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e: 18.02%) treatment groups compared to control (T\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e: 17.14%). EE ranged from 3.43 to 4.38%, while T\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e treatment groups recorded the highest CF (9.71%) and lowest NFE (49.56%) and T\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e treatment groups revealed the lowest CF (6.70%) and highest NFE (54.96%). Total ash varied from 6.64 to 8.70%. Fibre fractions (NDF and ADF) were higher in T\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e treatment group, whereas hemicellulose was lowest in T\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e treatment group. Cellulose and lignin contents varied moderately among treatments.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eNutrient Intake\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeaf incorporation significantly influenced nutrient intake patterns (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). DMI (kg/d) was significantly higher (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) in T\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e and T\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e compared to the control. Fibre fraction intakes (CFI, NDFI, and ADFI) and EEI were also significantly increased in leaf-incorporated diets. However, DMI in terms of 100 kg/ body weight and W\u003csup\u003e0.75\u003c/sup\u003e did not differ significantly among treatments.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Performance and Feed Efficiency\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCamel calves fed moringa and hedge lucerne based pelleted concentrate feeds revealed significantly higher final body weight and average daily gain compared to the control (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). Feed conversion ratio was significantly improved (lower FCR) in T\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e and T\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e, indicating enhanced feed efficiency with leaf incorporation.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eBody Measurements\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eBody measurements showed significant improvements in T\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e and T\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). Heart girth, tail length and body height (cm) were significantly greater in T\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e and T\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e, denoting better skeletal and muscular development compared to T\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eNutrient Digestibility\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eDigestibility coefficients of CP and EE were significantly higher (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) in the moringa-based diet (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). DMD and OMD were numerically improved in T\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, while fibre digestibility remained comparable among treatments.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eIn-vitro\u003c/b\u003e \u003cb\u003eRumen Degradability\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eIn-vitro\u003c/em\u003e dry matter and crude protein degradability were significantly higher in T\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e compared to T\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e), indicating improved rumen degradability of nutrients in moringa-incorporated pellets.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003ePractical Nutritional Worth and Digestible Nutrient Intake\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiets containing moringa leaves displayed significantly higher digestible crude protein, total digestible nutrients and metabolizable energy values; although the energy: protein ratio remained statistically comparable (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). Digestible crude protein intake expressed on a metabolic body weight basis was significantly higher in T\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e), while other digestible nutrient intake parameters remained comparable across treatments.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEffect of Moringa and Hedge lucerne leaves on nutrient intake in different treatment groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAttributes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTreatment groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSEM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eP value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u0026times;P\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDMI (kg/d)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.84\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.11\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.10\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.912\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDMI (kg/100kg BW)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.87\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.78\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.88\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.362\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.127\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.999\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDMI (g/kg W\u003csup\u003e0.75\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e65.32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e64.66\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66.89\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.57\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.515\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.998\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOMI (kg/d)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.93\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.06\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.004\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.058\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.991\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOMI (kg/100kg BW)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.241\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOMI (g/kg W\u003csup\u003e0.75\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45.58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e44.21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45.59\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.527\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCPI (kg/d)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.37\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.091\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.051\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.819\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCFI (kg/d)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.59\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.65\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.63\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.745\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEEI (kg/d)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.06\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.08\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.08\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.998\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNDFI (kg/d)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.72\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.78\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.79\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.003\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eADFI (kg/d)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.22\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.36\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.31\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.446\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;treatment effect; P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;period effect; T \u0026times; P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;interaction between treatment and period.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSEM: Standard error for means. Means within a row bearing different superscripts (a, b, c) differ significantly (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05)/(P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01); DMI-Dry matter intake; OMI-Organic matter intake; CPI-Crude protein intake; CFI-Crude fibre intake; EEI-Ether extract intake; NDFI-Neutral detergent fibre intake; ADFI-Acid detergent fibre intake\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEffect of Moringa and Hedge lucerne leaves on live body weight (kg), average daily gain (g/d) and feed conversion ratio in different treatment groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAttributes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTreatment groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSEM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eP value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u0026times;P\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eInitial weight (kg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e109.40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e119.60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e109.40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.92\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinal weight (kg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e150.36\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e170.20\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e162.87\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10.85\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAverage daily gain (g/d)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e530.00\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e644.44\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e636.66\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e25.61\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.004\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.172\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFeed conversion ratio\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.45\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.13\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.29\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.015\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.126\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.196\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;treatment effect; P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;period effect; T \u0026times; P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;interaction between treatment and period.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSEM: Standard error for means. Means within a row bearing different superscripts (a, b) differ significantly (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEffect of Moringa and Hedge lucerne leaves on body measurements in different treatment groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAttributes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTreatment groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSEM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c8\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eP value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u0026times;P\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBody height (cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e154.26\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e154.15\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e155.43\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBody length (cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e115.00\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e116.78\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e117.55\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.53\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHeart girth(cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e152.58\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e154.66\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e155.24\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.000\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTail length (cm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e43.70\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e46.66\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45.86\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.82\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.963\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;treatment effect; P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;period effect; T \u0026times; P\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;interaction between treatment and period.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSEM: Standard error for means. Means within a row bearing different superscripts (a, b) differ significantly (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01)\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEffect of Moringa and Hedge lucerne leaves on nutrient and fibre fractions digestibility in different treatment groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAttributes (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTreatment groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSEM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eP value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDMD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e56.44\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e57.89\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53.90\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.70\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.052\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eOMD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60.23\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66.89\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e64.79\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.18\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.051\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCPD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e61.87\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e69.68\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e63.66\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.004\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCFD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40.95\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e45.13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42.41\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.387\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEED\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e54.03\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e62.29\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e51.00\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.75\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.010\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eNDFD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49.71\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48.61\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42.32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.87\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.561\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eADFD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e41.74\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40.92\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36.78\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.778\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;treatment effect; SEM: Standard error for means. Means within a row bearing different superscripts (a, b) differ significantly (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05)/(P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01); DMD-Dry matter digestibility; OMD-Organic matter digestibility; CPD-Crude protein digestibility; CFD-Crude fibre digestibility; EED-Ether extract digestibility; NDFD-Neutral detergent fibre digestibility; ADFD-Acid detergent fibre digestibility.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEffect of Moringa and Hedge lucerne leaves on \u003cem\u003einvitro\u003c/em\u003e rumen degradability in different treatment groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAttributes (%)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTreatment groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSEM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eP value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIVDMD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66.95\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e71.84\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e69.11\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.84\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.040\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIVOMD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e68.13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e67.32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e66.95\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.61\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.763\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIVCPD\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e58.38\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e64.01\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60.19\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.96\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.030\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;treatment effect; SEM: Standard error for means. Means within a row bearing different superscripts (a, b) differ significantly (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05); IVDMD- \u003cem\u003eIn-vitro\u003c/em\u003e dry matter digestibility; IVOMD- \u003cem\u003eIn-vitro\u003c/em\u003e organic matter digestibility; IVCPD- \u003cem\u003eIn-vitro\u003c/em\u003e crude protein digestibility.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab6\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 6\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEffect of Moringa and Hedge lucerne leaves on practical nutritional worth in different treatment groups (Nutritive value g/kg DM)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAttributes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTreatment groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSEM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eP value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDCP (g/kg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e69.93\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e79.02\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e71.94\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.33\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.004\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTDN (g/kg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e555.75\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e618.84\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e599.40\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.043\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eME (Mcal/kg)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.45\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.73\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.64\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.04\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.044\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEnergy: Protein ratio\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.96\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.83\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8.34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.14\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.350\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;treatment effect; SEM: Standard error for means. Means within a row bearing different superscripts (a, b) differ significantly (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05)/(P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01); DM-Dry matter; DCP-Digestible crude protein; TDN-Total digestible nutrient intake; ME-Metabolisable energy.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab7\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 7\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEffect of Moringa and Hedge lucerne leaves on digestible nutrients intake in different treatment groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAttributes\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTreatment groups\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSEM\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eP value\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eT\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDDMI\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ekg/d\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.48\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.09\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.559\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ekg/100kg BW\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.85\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.87\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.75\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.26\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.751\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eg/kg W \u003csup\u003e0.75\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e53.43\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e54.34\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e49.47\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.83\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.877\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDOMI\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ekg/d\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.29\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.575\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ekg/100kg BW\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.81\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.90\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.80\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.07\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.835\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eg/kg W \u003csup\u003e0.75\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.92\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e32.67\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e28.63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.42\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.778\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDCPI\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ekg/d\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.16\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.421\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ekg/100kg BW\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.641\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eg/kg W \u003csup\u003e0.75\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.02\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.77\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.31\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.46\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.025\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTDNI\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ekg/d\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.31\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.58\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.539\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ekg/100kg BW\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.84\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.93\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.82\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.07\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.814\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eg/kg W \u003csup\u003e0.75\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29.83\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e33.91\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29.37\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.748\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMEI\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMcal/d\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.77\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e6.98\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5.84\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.47\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.538\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eMcal/100kg BW\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.71\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.12\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.61\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.32\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.584\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ekcal/kg W \u003csup\u003e0.75\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e131.27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e149.21\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e129.24\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e11.02\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.815\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"6\"\u003eT\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;treatment effect; SEM: Standard error for means. Means within a row bearing different superscripts (a, b) differ significantly (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05)\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDiscussion\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHigher DMI was observed in T\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e and T\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e treatment groups due to better feed palatability and balanced nutrient availability, rather than differences in body size, since feed intake per unit metabolic weight was similar across all the treatments. Pelleting prevents selective feeding, resulting in more uniform nutrient intake in different treatment groups. In addition, Moringa and Hedge lucerne leaves provide easily fermentable carbohydrates and moderate fibre, which enhanced rumination and saliva secretion, supports sustained feed intake (Patra and Saxena \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Zhang et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). The present results agree with several earlier reports showing positive effects of Moringa and Hedge lucerne supplementation on feed intake and growth performance (Tona et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e; Imran et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e; Aharwal et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e; Sonawane et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e; Wandara et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Patir et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). However, some studies reported no significant effect on dry matter, organic matter, or crude protein intake (Sarkar et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; Sharma et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe better growth performance and improved feed conversion ratio observed in T\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e treatment group due to the higher crude protein intake, improved protein digestibility and greater \u003cem\u003ein-vitro\u003c/em\u003e protein degradability. This dual protein supply improves microbial protein synthesis and the efficient use of metabolizable protein, leading to higher average daily gain and better feed efficiency (Leone et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e; Nouman et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe body measurements, particularly heart girth and body height in calves receiving leaf-incorporated pelleted concentrate diets reflect improved muscle and skeletal development due to dietary protein quality and energy availability. The presence of natural antioxidants, saponins and phenolic compounds in Moringa leaves may have contributed to stabilization of rumen microbial membranes and improved enzymatic activity, thereby enhancing lipid and protein hydrolysis (Faye \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Al-Hazmi et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; Patra et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e; Suybeng et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; Elaidy et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e; Kumar et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e; Badawi et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; Bhokre et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Sharma et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e; Thirumeignanam et al. 2020; Maiti et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; Mouli and Sharada \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHigher \u003cem\u003ein-vitro\u003c/em\u003e dry matter and crude protein degradability was observed in Moringa leaf incorporated pelleted concentrate diet which was suggestive of improved fermentability and microbial accessibility of nutrients. Pelleting combined with Moringa incorporation likely increased surface area exposure and reduced particle size, facilitating faster microbial colonization and enzymatic action (Dalzell et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e; Makkar et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEarlier observations (Dey et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e; Maranatha et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e), also revealed improved \u003cem\u003ein-vitro\u003c/em\u003e dry matter and organic matter digestibility with inclusion of \u003cem\u003eMoringa oleifera\u003c/em\u003e leaf meal at 10% in complete feeds. In contrast, Nouala et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2006\u003c/span\u003e) observed no significant differences in \u003cem\u003ein-vitro\u003c/em\u003e true digestibility at 10\u0026ndash;20% Moringa supplementation. Variations among studies may be attributed to differences in plant secondary metabolites and nutrient interactions.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eImproved practical nutritional worth (DCP, TDN, ME and Energy: protein ratio) in the Moringa leaves incorporated diet provide strong nutritional justification for the superior performance. The comparable energy: protein ratio across different treatments indicates that the diets provided a balanced supply of energy and protein, which is essential for optimal growth of camel calves. Moreover, higher DCP and ME in T\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e treatment groups indicated a stable energy-protein relationship. Maintaining this balance prevents unnecessary loss of protein or energy which supports consistent growth of camel calves while maintaining metabolic efficiency. Even though digestible nutrient intake was similar among different treatments, the higher nutrient density and better feed conversion in T\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e treatment group suggest more efficient use of nutrients for growth rather than maintenance. This indicates the beneficial role of Moringa leaves in improving nutrient utilization and growth efficiency in camel calves (Aharwal et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e; Abdel-Raheem and Hassan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e; Wankhede et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; Srivastav et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e; Sherasiya et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e; Mouli and Sharada \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e) which were suggestive of inclusion rate dependent effects on animal species.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eIncorporation of Moringa and Hedge lucerne leaves into pelleted concentrate feed significantly improved nutrient intake, growth performance, feed efficiency, body development, digestibility, rumen degradability and dietary energy value in camel calves. Inclusion of Moringa leaves @ 10% level in the pelleted concentrate feed is the best proposition to achieve growth performance, digestibility of nutrients and nutritional worth in camel calves. These findings revealed that leaf-incorporated pelleted concentrate feeds can serve as nutritionally efficient and sustainable alternatives to conventional concentrate feeds in livestock production systems.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor contributions\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll authors contributed to the conception and design of the study. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData availability\u003c/strong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe data that support the finding of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeclarations Ethical approval\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe protocol of experiment was sanctioned by Institutional Animal Ethical Committee (IAEC) of the College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner (RAJUVAS), IAEC/CPCEA (Approval No.-IAEC/RES/14/03). Animals were cared and managed as per protocol and directives of IAEC.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConflict of interest:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eNone\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgments\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthors are highly grateful to Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi as well as ICAR-NRCC, Bikaner. A facility provided by ICAR-NRCC to conduct the research is also acknowledged. Authors are also grateful to Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner (RAJUVAS).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbd El-Tawab MM, Khattab HM, El-Naggar HA (2019) Effect of pelleted complete feed on nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and growth performance of ruminants. 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Trop Anim Health Prod 52(5): 2453\u0026ndash;2460\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWankhede RS, Patil AK, Thakare SV (2022) Nutrient digestibility and growth performance of goats fed \u003cem\u003eMoringa oleifera\u003c/em\u003e leaf meal. Indian J Anim Nutr 39(4): 390\u0026ndash;396\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZhang Y, Li Y, Wang Z (2023) Effects of pelleted complete feeds on intake, digestibility and rumen fermentation in ruminants. Anim Nutr 12:30\u0026ndash;39\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Camel calves, Moringa, Hedge lucerne, Pelleted concentrate feed, Digestibility","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9084144/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9084144/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThe present study evaluated the effect of incorporation of Moringa and Hedge lucerne leaves into pelleted concentrate feed on nutrient intake, growth performance, body measurements, digestibility, rumen degradability and practical nutritional worth in camel calves. Three dietary treatments were formulated: a control pelleted concentrate feed without any leaf incorporation (T\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e), pelleted concentrate feed containing 10% moringa leaves (T\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e), and pelleted concentrate feed containing 10% hedge lucerne leaves (T\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e). Results indicated that DMI, CFI, NDFI, ADFI and EEI were significantly (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) higher in the leaf-incorporated pelleted concentrate diets compared to control. Camel calves fed moringa-based diet exhibited superior average daily gain and improved feed conversion ratio relative to T\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e treatment group. Body measurements, including heart girth and tail length were significantly enhanced in T\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e and T\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e treatment groups. Digestibility of dietary protein and ether extract was significantly (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01) higher on moringa-based diet. \u003cem\u003eIn-vitro\u003c/em\u003e rumen degradability and practical nutritional worth indices (DCP, TDN, ME) also improved in the leaf-incorporated feeds; more advantage was observed with moringa leaf-based feed. Overall, incorporation of leaf based pelleted concentrate diet (Moringa and Hedge lucerne) improved nutrient utilization, growth performance and dietary energy value without adverse effects which revealed their properties as sustainable alternative feed resources for livestock feeding system.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Dietary Incorporation of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) and Hedge lucerne (Desmanthus virgatus) leaves in Pelleted Concentrate Feeds: Impacts on Intake, Growth Performance, Digestibility and Nutritional worth in Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Calves","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-03-31 13:15:37","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9084144/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"4e9cb696-f06d-436f-abf4-648167ad9640","owner":[],"postedDate":"March 31st, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-03-31T16:19:31+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-03-31 13:15:37","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-9084144","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-9084144","identity":"rs-9084144","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}