Banyan leaves fresh or fallen are used in the Indian Sub-Continent to feed ruminants such as goats, sheep or bullocks (Gaikwad et al., 2017; Verma, 2016; Singh et al., 2012; Mandal, 1997; Prasad et al., 1992; Mia et al., 1960; Devendra, 1988). It may play a vital role in feeding of goats and other ruminants in lean periods (Nazki et al., 2018). A comparison of several fodders in Gujarat concluded that it could be considered as a supplementary fodder (Parsana et al., 2013).
Palatability
Banyan leaves were much better consumed by goats than bullocks (Nazki et al., 2018).
Digestibility
Various estimates of organic matter digestibility indicate relatively low values: 49% (in vivo, Sen, 1938), 50% (gas production method, Pal et al., 2015), 38% (in vitro, Pavithra et al., 2019). This is likely due to the high lignin and tannin content of banyan leaves. Protein digestibility values are also relatively low, between 21 and 48% (Mia et al., 1960).
Cattle and goats
In India, a diet consisting in banyan leaves given ad libitum with wheat straw and wheat bran was found to be a satisfactory maintenance ration for cattle. Cattle and goats given only banyan leaves lost weight during the trial (Mia et al., 1960).
Mitigation of methane emissions
Compared to other tree leaves tested for their possible mitigation effect on methane production, banyan leaves have low to moderate impact but do not alter in vitro rumen fermentation (Pal et al., 2015; Bhatta et al., 2012). Banyan leaves have been tested in vivo for their mitigation effect on Mandya sheep (32 kg) methane emissions. Feeding sheep a complete diet including 4% banyan leaves (DM basis) did not change dry matter intake or digestibility of the diet but decreased methane production by 20-26%. These results were similar to those obtained with neem (Azadirachta indica) and jackfruit tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus) foliage at same level of inclusion (Malik et al., 2017).
