M. Todaro  , A. Sinacori  , G. Marinaro  , M.L. Alicata  , P. Giaccone  , 
    Palatability and <I>In vivo</I> Digestibility of Mulberry Leaves (<I>Morus latifolia</I> CV. Kokusou 21) in Sheep Feeding,
    Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances,
    Volume 6,Issue 4,
    2007,
    Pages 509-512,
    ISSN 1680-5593,
    javaa.2007.509.512,
    (https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=javaa.2007.509.512)
    Abstract: Mulberry (<I>Morus latifolia</I> L.) leaves and green tops were utilised to study the palatability and the digestibility in two sheep feeding trials. In trial 1 mulberry palatability was determined by cafeteria test, that studies the animal preferences in a short period of time without the interference of post-ingestive factors. Mulberry leaves were tested in respect to vetch hay and oat concentrate; results showed that mulberry leaves were significantly preferred to other feeds. In trial 2 an <I>in vivo</I> digestibility was carried out on 4 rams equipped with the bags for the faeces collection, housed in individual box and fed ad libitum. Results showed that mulberry leaves and green tops were more digestible (OM: 78.19%; CP: 79.19%: NDF: 77.77%; Cellulose: 88.32%) and with high nutrient value (NE<SUB>L</SUB>: 1.61 Mcal kg <SUP>1</SUP> DM, INRA method; NE<SUB>L3m</SUB>: 1.73 Mcal kg <SUP>1</SUP> DM, NRC method).
    Keywords: Palatability;in vivo digestibility;mulberry leaves;sheep feeding