Argentina's UNNE study shows cassava leaves rich in protein for livestock feed

The Faculty of Agrarian Sciences at Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (UNNE) in Argentina evaluated the forage potential of cassava (Manihot esculenta) leaves. Researchers sampled 11 cultivars and harvested at two times, April and December, separating leaf blades, petioles and stems, measuring nitrogen to calculate crude protein.

Results showed leaf blades averaged 26% crude protein, far higher than stems (≈7%) and petioles (≈5.9%). Protein levels were generally higher in April samples. The cultivar “Amarilla Molina” harvested in December recorded the highest values, exceeding 30% protein in leaf blades. The study suggests cassava foliage could become a valuable, seasonally‑adjustable protein source for cattle, turning a by‑product into a feed resource.