Evaluation of carob, Ceratonia siliqua pods as a feed for sheep

Abstract

The nutritive value of different fractions of naturally grown carob pods was evaluated by their chemical composition and in vitro gas production method. Gas production were calculated at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h and their kinetics were described using the equation p = a + b (1-e^-ct). There were significant differences among the fraction of carob pods in terms of chemical composition. Crude protein content ranged from 5.9 to 27.7 %. Crude protein content of carob seeds was significantly higher than that of whole carob pods and carob kibbles. The NDF, ADF and ADL contents ranged from 29.20 to 38.04 %, % 14.39 to 20.14%, 6.44 to 10.20% respectively. The NDF, ADF and ADL of seed were significantly higher than those of whole carob pods and kibbles. There was no significant difference in starch content among the fractions of carob pods whereas the sugar content of whole carob pod and kibbles were significantly higher than that of carob seed. After 24 h incubation times the in vitro gas production of whole pods and kibbles are significantly higher than that of seed. The gas production rate of carob seed was significantly higher than that of carob kibbles whereas the potential gas productions (a+b) of whole carob pods and carob kibbles were significantly higher than that of carob seed. On the other hand the estimated OMD and ME values of carob seed were significantly higher than that of whole carob pods. It was concluded that whole carob pods contain high level of sugar but low protein and lipid. Apart from nonstructural carbohydrates, the pods contain high amounts of dietary fibre. The carob seed is rich in cell wall content and CP whereas carob kibbles is rich in non-structural carbohydrate. Therefore whole carob pods have a potential energy source for sheep. Protein supplementation will be required when carob pods is included into ruminant diets.