Yuzuncu Yil University Journal of Agricultural Sciences, vol.32, no.3, pp.576-583, 2022 (Scopus)
The aim of this study was to compare chemical composition, relative
feed values, and in vitro true digestibility of the giant fennel (Ferula communicus
L. -F), helis (Prangos ferulacea L. -H), gum- tragacanth (Astragalus
microcephalus WILD. -G) and leaves oak tree (Quercus robur L. -O), a naturally
growing plant on the high- altitude plateaus of the Eastern Anatolia, with those of
alfalfa. In vitro true digestibilities (IVTD) of roughages were determined with the
Ankom DaisyII incubator. In terms of crude protein (CP) content, the lowest value
was determined in H herb with 7.35 %, and the highest value was determined in
alfalfa hay (A) with 19.28% (p<0.05). G hay had higher acid detergent fiber
(ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content and O leaves had higher ether
extract (EE) and condensed tannin (CT) content. While the lowest IVDMD were
found in G hay (42.91%) and O leaves (56.22%) with the highest cell wall
structural components and CT content, the highest digestibility value was
determined for F (70.47%) and A (71.60%) (p<0.05). Considering the analyzed
parameters, it can be said that F hay is more suitable for ruminant feeding than
other roughages.