Apparent digestibility and N retention observed for mango leaves are also lower than for other plant species (Kongmanila et al., 2009 Ikhimioya et al., 2007). Mango leaves can sustain 6.4 g daily weight gain in goats when Leuceana leucocephala results in 54 g daily weight gain (Kibria et al., 1994). While mango leaves compare favorably with young cockspur grass (Echinochloa crusgalli) when they are offered as sole roughage to goats (Akbar et al., 1991), comparisons with other plant species are generally less positive. This is not fully consistent with the negative effects of mangiferin described by Lowry (Lowry et al., 1992). Recent heamatological investigations on goats fed on mango leaves revealed that they were safe and could not be detrimental to goats (Ajayi et al., 2005). Mango leaves are palatable and acceptable to ruminants. Sporadic cases of lethality caused by mango leaves have been reported (Orwa et al., 2009 Lowry et al., 1992 Morton, 1987).

However, because continuous intake of the leaves could be fatal to cows, the practice was outlawed in 1908. In India, cows used to be fed mango leaves because mangiferin is degraded into euxanthic acid, a rich yellow pigment used in paints that was excreted in urine and collected. Mangiferin may cause poisoning of cattle if mango leaves are fed at high levels. Mango leaves contain high levels (7% DM) of mangiferin, a phenolic compound. You can use both leaves and branches (cut into smaller pieces by a chopper) as mulch around the base of the plants.Īs feed, long term usage of Mango leaves may be problematic according to feedopedia.

Chikoo leaves