Determination of nutrient content and digestibility characteristics of Prangos ferulacea (L.) on grazing lands of Eastern Anatolia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare nutrient content, and in situ protein and organic matter degradation kinetics of Prangos ferulacea (L.) (locally called helis), a naturally growing plant on the top of Mount Artos, with those of alfalfa. P. ferulacea plants used in the study were collected from three different parts of Mount Artos in Van Province over two years. While organic matter content and in vitro organic matter digestibility of P. ferulacea were significantly higher, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen contents were significantly lower compared with those of alfalfa (P < 0.01). In general, in situ dry matter, and organic matter and crude protein degradability of P. ferulacea were significantly higher compared with those of alfalfa starting from 6 h of incubation (P < 0.05). Organic matter and crude protein degradability of P. ferulacea was 79.15% and 85.31%, respectively, after 48 h of incubation. By-pass protein content and both organic matter and crude protein degradation rates were similar between samples (P > 0.05). It can be concluded that P. ferulacea has a better nutrient quality compared with even high quality alfalfa based on nutrient contents and digestibility values, and therefore substitution of alfalfa by P. ferulacea in the diet of ruminant animals is feasible.