This study evaluated the effects of incorporating edible tree leaves into sheep diets on feed intake, feed particle selection, nutrient digestibility, serum parameters, hepatic condition and sheep performance. Eight male sheep were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design to evaluate the following diets: I. Control (CON): basal diet containing corn silage; II. Mulberry (MUL; Morus alba): diet containing 150 g/kg MUL; III. Gliricídia (GLI; Gliricídia Sepium): diet containing 150 g/kg GLI; and IV. Tithonia (TIT; Tithonia diversifolia): diet containing 150 g/kg TIT.
Statistical analysis was performed using PROC MIXED of SAS. MUL increased intake and tended to increase the 8–19 mm particles selection index. GLI and TIT increased crude protein (CP) intake, but reduced dry matter and CP digestibility relative to CON. Consequently, leaves increased faecal N losses and showed no effects on urinary losses and nitrogen balance. TIT reduced serum urea levels compared MUL and GLI.
However, MUL and GLI reduced serum glucose and increased BHB. GLI reduced aspartate aminotransferase activity compared to CON. The treatments did not affect liver enzymes, ultrasound liver measurements, average daily gain and gain efficiency. Thus, edible trees do not reduce feed intake, selection index and animal performance, or increase hepatic enzymes.
10.1080/00288233.2025.2502054
