456 



Journal op the Department of Agriculture, 



FOOD VALUE OF WILLOW LEAVES. 



Notes from the Chemical Laboratory, School of 

 Agriculture and Experiment Station, Potchef- 

 stroom. 



By Thos. D. Hall, B.A., M.S.Agr 



Willow leaves are greatly sought after by cattle and other live stock, 

 and it is often thought that it is only because this is the first green 

 substance that appears on the dry, brown landscape ; it will be seen, 

 however, from the following analyses that willow leaves are highly 

 nutritious. These figures are from the analyses of willow leaves of 

 the " Weeping willow " variety containing also, besides leaves, the 

 soft stems at the ends of the branches. 



These samples were taken at intei*\'als of more than a week apart 

 during the feeding experiment on chickens conducted by Mr. R. 

 Bourlay, of this Institution, comparing the value of green willow 

 leaves with green lucerne. Those wanting more details of the experi- 

 ment are referred to Press Circular No. 9, 1917, " Willow Leaves as 

 a Green Food for Chicks." Mr. Bourlay summarizes his results thus : 

 " It will be seen that in six weeks the chickens which were fed on 

 willow leaves gained 2 lb- in weight over those fed on green lucerne, 

 or an average gain of two and two-third oz. per chick." 



Various inquiries about willow leaves have been received, so that 

 it has been decided to publish these figures for general information. 

 It is well to compare the analyses of dry willow leaves with lucerne 

 hay, cowpea hay, and teff hay. 



