It will depend upon the nutritional constituents of Trichantera shrub and the requirement of the animal

hello Reishma

do not know exactly what this plant.

More information is needed about the plant.

I suggest that you send a sample of the plant to the laboratory. Nutrient analysis it becomes clear anti-nutritional substances are also specified.

For feeding calves to feed this need for better management decisions

i hope help to you for answer your question.

best regard for you

That is a great idea! I will have to harvest the plant leaves at varying stages to determine optimum stage for high levels of nutrient status.  Thanks!

Dear Reishma,

I have worked with Trichantera gigantea, grown under adequate soil fertility conditions and no toxic effects have been observed with growing animals.

Protein content has been around 17%, and NDF less than 40%, so there should be any limitations to its inclusion to the diet of growing animals as well as dairy cows.

However, this will depend on two things:

a. That you have the appropriate species - I repeat - I have worked with Trichantera gigantea

b. Edaphic (soil fertility) considerations: Thichantera gigantea can accumulate some phenolic compounds and it has been demonstrated that depending on soil characteristics, the secondary metabolites can accumulate to varying extent, generally appearing at greater concentrations when edaphic conditions are limiting, or when plants are subjected to water deficits,

In addition to nutrient status analysis, it will be a great idea to carry out some cafeteria trials, using animal of different phenological/production stages. Just be aware that, if nor previously exposed to a feed source, animals tend to reject it, at least until they get to get acquainted to it.

Best regards and good luck in your research,