Abstract
Determination of annual potential fodder value of Ebu Cehil (Calligonum polygonoides L. ssp. comosum (L’Hér.)) shrub growing as endemic in Turkey
This study was conducted to determine annual potential fodder value (between April-October 2013) of Ebu Cehil (Calligonum polygonoides L.) shrub growing as endemic in Igdir province, located in the Eastern of Turkey. Nutritive content showed significant differences by month. Annual mean Crude Protein(CP), Neutral Detergent Fiber(NDF), Acide Detergent Fiber(ADF), Acide Detergent Lignin(ADL), Dry Matter Digestibility(DMD), Digestibility Energy(DE) and Metabolic Energy(ME) contents ranged from 141.8 g/kg, 496.0 g/kg, 319.8 g/kg, 106.8 g/kg, % 63.18, 2.97 Mcal/kg and 2.44 Mcal/kg respectively. It was determined that CP, DMD, DE and ME decreased but NDF, ADF, and ADL contents increased with maturation. Results showed that highest CP, DMD, DE and ME had in April (252.9 g/kg, % 76.98, 3.56 Mcal/kg ve 2.92 Mcal/kg, respectively), lowest rates (75.4 g/kg, % 54.35, 2.59 Mcal/kg ve 2.13 Mcal/kg, respectively) in October. However, highest rates NDF, ADF and ADL were determined in October (599.7 g/kg, 393.2 g/kg ve 127.8 g/kg, respectively), lowest amounts (384.8 g/kg, 209.7 g/kg ve 83.1 g/kg, respectively) in April. As a result, it was revealed that C. polygonoides is a good source of fodder especially for feeding of small ruminants and not in need of a supplementary feeding in grazing period.
Keywords
Alternative forage source, Ebu Cehil shrub, Goats, Nutritive value
