Palatability and in vivo digestibility of Mulberry leaves (Morus latifolia CV. Kokusou 21) in sheep feeding

Mulberry (Morus latifolia L.) leaves and green tops were utilised to study the palatability and the digestibility in two sheep feeding trials. In trial 1 mulberry palatability was determined by cafeteria test, that studies the animal preferences in a short period of time without the interference of post-ingestive factors. Mulberry leaves were tested in respect to vetch hay and oat concentrate; results showed that mulberry leaves were significantly preferred to other feeds. In trial 2 an in vivo digestibility was carried out on 4 rams equipped with the bags for the faeces collection, housed in individual box and fed ad libitum. Results showed that mulberry leaves and green tops were more digestible (OM: 78.19%; CP: 79.19%: NDF: 77.77%; Cellulose: 88.32%) and with high nutrient value (NEL: 1.61 Mcal kg 1 DM, INRA method; NEL3m: 1.73 Mcal kg 1 DM, NRC method).