Seasonal variation in the proximate principles of some common tree fodders in the eastern hills of Nepal

Young leaves, mature leaves and twigs of Bauhinia purpurea, B. variegata, Artocarpus lakoocha, Litsea monopetala, Saurauia napaulensis, Celtis australis and Grewia oppositifolia collected during the spring, summer, monsoon and winter seasons were analysed for chemical composition. These species contained 21-39% DM, 10-16% crude protein, 1.4-2.8% ether extractives, 19- 35% crude fibre, 7-14% total ash, and 38-55% nitrogen free extractives on a DM basis. The species provided sufficient CP for both maintenance and production of livestock.