Ceratonia siliqua (carob tree) - edible?

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Hello!

We have a lot of carob trees growing around (Ceratonia siliqua). Can I feed leaves to my tortoise?

So far, I was able to find only carob pods composition (rather common legumes profile with high sugars and protein but good Ca to P ratio and non-toxic), but no meaningful info about the leaves.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

It says just to stick with the flowers on TTT, but as we know sometimes they’re over cautious so hard to say

Browse and Search the Tortoise Table Plant Database

Browse and Search the Tortoise Table Plant Database

www.thetortoisetable.org.uk

 

[Fluffy]

I've seen your searching skills and I'm guessing if you can't find any info it doesn't exist on the internet.

 

[jaizei]

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) | Feedipedia

www.feedipedia.org

Carob leaves are relished by browsing livestock

However if you look through the reference list, there's several about the effects of tannins

ex: https://www.researchgate.net/public...-Containing_Leaves_Ceratonia_siliqua_by_Sheep
The nutritional value of carob leaves (CL) and the effectiveness of increasing amounts (12.5,25,32, and 50 g/day) of polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG) supplemented once daily in overcoming the negative effect of tannins in carob leaves, were examined in four Merino ewes. Ewes fed solely CL were not able to sustain their body weights, and excreted in feces more protein than was consumed

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

It says just to stick with the flowers on TTT, but as we know sometimes they’re over cautious so hard to say

Browse and Search the Tortoise Table Plant Database

Browse and Search the Tortoise Table Plant Database

www.thetortoisetable.org.uk

TTT for some reason shows Jacaranda under "Carob Tree" name. It's not the same carob tree that grows near me.

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) | Feedipedia

www.feedipedia.org

Carob leaves are relished by browsing livestock

However if you look through the reference list, there's several about the effects of tannins

ex: https://www.researchgate.net/public...-Containing_Leaves_Ceratonia_siliqua_by_Sheep
The nutritional value of carob leaves (CL) and the effectiveness of increasing amounts (12.5,25,32, and 50 g/day) of polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG) supplemented once daily in overcoming the negative effect of tannins in carob leaves, were examined in four Merino ewes. Ewes fed solely CL were not able to sustain their body weights, and excreted in feces more protein than was consumed

Thank you!
Interesting, that tannins content in leaves is comparable to mulberry. And carob has higher Ca to P ratio. Carob pods are worse in that aspects but fed to livestock extensively.

Otherwise it looks safe to feed in moderation (I hope I didn't misinterpret the tables and paper).

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

TTT for some reason shows Jacaranda under "Carob Tree" name. It's not the same carob tree that grows near me.

Oh interesting! No worries

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

TTT for some reason shows Jacaranda under "Carob Tree" name. It's not the same carob tree that grows near me.

Yep, always have to check the latin names when using TTT

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Hello!

We have a lot of carob trees growing around (Ceratonia siliqua). Can I feed leaves to my tortoise?

So far, I was able to find only carob pods composition (rather common legumes profile with high sugars and protein but good Ca to P ratio and non-toxic), but no meaningful info about the leaves.

Maybe @RosemaryDW knows something? Not sure though

 

[RosemaryDW]

The Tortoise Table never convinces me. Legumes aren't bad in moderation. Zre tannins? I don't know but seems unlikely in moderation.

The realitives I found on the Tortoise Table are largely a "No because we aren't sure" or a "No but don't freak out if they take a bite." Again, not convincing. Your tortoises have a varied diet so I wouldn't worry much about it in moderation. Seems weird to me they will eat it but they are redfoots after all!