Nutritional evaluation of marula kernel cake (Sclerocarya birrea) compared to Sunflower seedcake (Helianthus annus) as a feed ingredient for ruminants.

The growing interest in non-conventional supplementary feeds has triggered research aimed at characterising alternative feed resources such as marula kernel cake (MKC) for improvement of livestock productivity. Samples of MKC and those of sunflower seedcake (SSC) were evaluated for chemical characteristics and rumen degradation. Chemical analysis of the two seedcakes was repeated twice. Dry matter and crude protein in sacco degradation were determined once using three fistulated steers. Samples were incubated in the rumen for 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. MKC had higher (P < 0.05) content of gross energy, crude protein, ether extract and in vitro dry matter digestibility than SSC. Phosphorus and magnesium were higher (P < 0.05) in MKC samples than SSC. Oleic acid content was higher (P < 0.05) in MKC than in SSC whereas level of unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) was similar (P > 0.05) between MKC and SSC. MKC was low (P < 0.05) in lysine compared to SSC. In sacco dry matter disappearance of SSC at 72 h was lower (P < 0.05) than that of MKC. In contrast, crude protein disappearance of both cakes was similar at 72 h incubation. It is therefore concluded that MKC is rich in energy, crude protein, some essential nutrients and could be a useful resource for supplying both energy and protein in ruminant diets.