The protein content in the leaves of certain plants, particularly acacia, amorpha, mulberry, and wolfberry, exceeds 20%, making them an excellent natural source of protein and essential vitamins for livestock and poultry. These leaves can be used fresh, stored in containers, or dried and crushed for use during the winter and spring when fresh forage is scarce. Their high nutritional value makes them a valuable addition to animal diets.
Robinia pseudoacacia (locust) leaves are especially rich in protein. According to analysis, 2 kilograms of dried locust leaves provide the same amount of protein as 1 kilogram of soybean meal. When incorporated into pig feed at 8–15% and chicken feed at 3–5%, they significantly improve weight gain and feed conversion efficiency. This makes them a cost-effective and nutritious alternative to traditional protein sources.
Pine needle powder is another nutrient-dense feed ingredient. Each kilogram of pine needles contains 250 milligrams of carotene, 1.2 grams of calcium, 320 milligrams of iron, and trace amounts of copper, zinc, and cobalt. They can be chopped and fed directly to animals or processed into powder. To maintain their nutritional value, it’s important to collect green needles, avoid sun exposure, chop them, and dry them at 90°C for 20 minutes before grinding and sieving. This process ensures a fine, consistent powder that can be easily mixed into feed.
Paulownia leaves are also highly beneficial for swine. When dried and ground into a fine powder, they serve as an effective supplement for pigs. After harvesting, the leaves should be cleaned, dried, and milled. Research has shown that feeding 60 grams of paulownia leaf powder per day to 25–30 kg pigs resulted in an average weight gain increase of 14% over a one-month period compared to the control group. This demonstrates the potential of these leaves as a sustainable and economical feed option.
In addition to their nutritional benefits, many of these plant leaves are abundant and easy to cultivate, making them a practical choice for farmers looking to reduce feed costs while improving animal health. By incorporating these natural ingredients into livestock diets, farmers can enhance productivity and promote more sustainable farming practices.
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