Voluntary intake and in vivo digestibility of different date-palm fractions by Murciano-Granadina (Capra hircus)

The voluntary intake and in vivo digestibility of three different date-palm fractions by Murciano-Granadina goats were studied as follows: leaflets (only leaflets from the leaves), leaflets plus rachis (whole leaves) and racemes (clusters or racemes without dates). A low content in crude protein (lower than 17 g crude protein kg−1dry matter) and ether extract (lower than 45 g ether extract kg−1dry matter), and a high crude fiber content (246–406 g crude fiber kg−1dry matter) characterized all the date-palm fractions. Leaflets plus rachis presented a significantly higher apparent digestibility for dry matter (P<0•01), organic matter (P<0•05), neutral detergent fiber (P<0•05) and gross energy (P<0•01) than the racemes, but did not show any significant difference with the leaflets. Leaflets plus rachis presented a higher apparent digestibility coefficient for gross energy and, consequently, a slightly higher digestible energy content (P<0•1) than leaflets or racemes. Dry matter and organic matter intakes were significantly higher in goats given the leaflets than in those given leaflets plus rachis or racemes (P<0•01). However, although the racemes presented significantly lower digestible organic matter (P<0•05) and digestible energy (P<0•01) intakes than the leaflets, no significant differences were found between the leaflets and the leaflets plus raquis. Consequently, despite their low nutritive value, date-palm leaf fractions could be used as an acceptable alternative to barley straw in diets for goats—especially leaflets and leaflets plus rachis