NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT Quercus SPECIES IN TEMPERATE REGIONS OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
Loading...
Date
2020-11
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
NAUNI,UHF
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The present investigation entitled “Nutritional evaluation of different Quercus species in
temperate regions of Himachal Pradesh” was carried out at different locations of Shimla and Kinnaur
district and nutrient analysis was done in the laboratory of Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry,
Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Distt. Solan, Himachal Pradesh during
2019-2020 with the objectives to study the seasonal variation in the nutritive value of different Quercus
species and to study the farmers’ preference rating of fodder tress species.From each location leaf samples
were collected at 3 months interval from each Quercus spp. To study the farmers preference rating of
fodder tree species, a semi structured open questionnaire and the information on farmers preference of
fodder trees was collected from a total of 125 respondents (25 in each location) in specific locations of
district Shimla and Kinnaur and rating was done on the basis of five parameters, i.e. Palatability, growth
rate, beneficial effects, ease of propagation and leaf biomass.
The findings of the present study revealed that the nutritional traits of leaves of different Quercus
species varied among different seasons throughout the year. The dry matter (61.12 to 64.99%), ether
extract (4.07 to 4.42%), crude fibre (34.38 to 37.85%), neutral detergent fibre (57.70 to 61.54%), acid
detergent fibre (44.64 to 48.51%), total ash (3.57 to 3.91%), acid insoluble ash (44.64 to 48.51%) and
calcium (1.31 to 1.53%) increased with the maturity in the leaves of different Quercus species. While,
crude protein (9.10 to 10.61%), nitrogen free extract (44.73 to 47.41%), organic matter (96.09 to 96.43%),
and phosphorus (0.16 to 0.31%) decreased with the advancing maturity in the leaves of different Quercus
species. Maximum mean values for dry matter (65.05%), ether extract (4.45%), crude fibre (40.82%),
neutral detergent fibre (61.48%), acid detergent fibre (48.44%), and organic matter (96.67%) among
different Quercus species were recorded in Quercus ilex, while, Maximum mean values for crude protein
(10.54%), nitrogen free extract (50.53%), total ash (4.05%), acid insoluble ash (0.59%), calcium (1.61%)
and phosphorus (0.40%) were recorded inQuercusleucotrichophora.
Framers in Shimla district rated Grewia optiva highest for palatability (3.87), growth rate (2.78)
and beneficial effects (3.61). Robinia pseudoacacia was rated as best propagating species (2.79).
Maximum leaf biomass yield (3.33) was reported in Q. semecarpifiolia. In district Kinnaur, Fraxinus
xanthoxyloides was the most palatable fodder tree species (3.75), Populus spp.(3.10)was the fastest
growing species, Morus alba (3.33) was the most beneficial species, likewise best propagating species in
Kinnaur district was Salix spp (3.08) and Q .leucotrichophora (2.92) had the highest leaf biomass.
According to the farmers and animal rearers, Grewia optiva and Morus alba were rated as the best
performing fodder tree species in Shimla and Kinnaur districts with the overall score of 2.98 and 2.80,
respectively.