Condensed tannins: A factor limiting the use of cassava forage

Abstract

Abstract Cassava ( Manihot esculenta , Crantz), an important tropical root crop, is considered to have a good potential for use as a forage because leaf blades generally contain <20% crude protein (CP). However, neutral‐detergent fibre (NDF) obtained from cassava leaf blades contains condensed tannins (CTs) and high levels of CP. The amount of CP in the NDF that is insoluble when treated with pepsin or protease is highly correlated with the amount of CTs in the NDF. CTs in the NDF are rich in prodelphinidin. CTs may be an important factor limiting the nutritive value of cassava forage.