Diagnosis of the palatability of fruits of three fodder trees in ruminants

The chemical composition, in vitro dry matter (IVDMD) and organic matter (IVOMD) digestibility of the fruits of Pithecellobium dulce, Acacia farnesiana and Acacia cochliacantha were determined. A cafeteria test in calves, sheep and goats was developed to determine through consumption of dry matter and coeficient of preference the palatability of these fruits as a feed source. Crude protein and neutral and acid detergent fiber contents were higher in the A. cochliacantha fruit (p < 0.001) with 11.1, 55.0 and 38.3 %, respectively. Total phenols were higher (p < 0.001) in A. farnesiana fruit with 39.7 %. The IVDMD and IVOMD were greater (p < 0.001) in P. dulce fruit with 57.7 and 35.6 %, respectively. The P. dulce fruit was more palatable (p < 0.0001) for calves and those of A. cochliacanta for sheep and goats (p < 0.05). It is concluded that palatability was higher for A. cochliacanta and P. dulce fruits due to their chemical composition.