Air-Dry Tree Leaves for Use in a Restricted Dietary Regime

Abstract Extensive nutritive analyses were completed on air dry tree leaves (approximately 85% from oak trees) collected on the ground in October. The total essential amino acid composition of the leaves on an air dry basis (76.08% dry matter) was calculated to be about 72% of the total essential amino acid composition of corn. The amino acid nitrogen content of the leaves was about 93% of the amino acid nitrogen content of corn. The crude protein content of the leaves on a dry matter basis was 6.02%. Aluminum, iron and manganese were present at highest levels of the trace elements determined. The leaves contained 25.58% cellulose, 26.48% lignin and 2.42% hemicellulose.