April - June 2007 - Kasetsart University

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was found on cellulose. These results were similar
to those reported by Jaurena and Pichard (2001).
Beta-carotene and mimosine content in
leucaena silage
β-carotene of LLS increased significantly
(Table 5). Even though no clear explanation can
be given, the result was in agreement with that
reported by Peterson et al. (1935; cited by Watson
and Nash, 1960) who found the increment of
carotene in alfalfa ensiling with acid. However,
Hellbery (1945; cited by Watson and Nash, 1960)
reported that 11-75% of carotene was loss by
oxidation during fermentation. The extent of loss
depended on oxygen content and temperature in
the silo.
Fermentation decreased 91-93% of
mimosine. The length of ensiling had no effect
on mimosine loss. The result was in agreement
with that reported by Hongo et al. (1986) and
Sunagawa et al. (1989) who found mimosine
reduction over 90% in LLS either with or without
additives. The reduction of mimosine by ensiling
being higher than by sun drying (14.5-51.1% of
the original samples) was reported by Panja
(1983), Parkwiwat (1984) and Wee and Wang
(1987). These results indicated that LLS is an
interesting alternative for feed preservation.
CONCLUSION
The ensiling of LL by mixing with 20%
Kasetsart J. (Nat. Sci.) 41(2)
Table 5 β-carotene and mimosine content in leucaena mixed with rice bran and ensiled at different
durations.
Ensiling period β-carotene Mimosine
(days) mg/kg DM % increment % DM % lost
0 88.50a 0.00 1.79b 0.00
21 99.92ab 12.90 0.13a 92.74
51 116.29bc 31.40 0.14a 92.18
81 120.28c 35.91 0.16a 91.06
111 105.21abc 18.88 0.12a 93.30
Value in a column with different superscripts differ significantly (p