Seasonal variation of the nutritive value of fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens )
2016
Medjekal, S | Bousseboua, H
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of season (winter, spring and summer) on the nutritive value of Atriplex canescens. The foliage of this shrub species was shade dried and analyzed for chemi- cal composition. Gas and methane production were determined at 24 h incubation time. Season of sampling affected the chemical composition, gas production, methane production, metabolizable energy and in vitro dry matter digestibility. The CP content was lower in spring (168 g par kg DM) and summer (171 g par kg DM) versus winter (201 g par kg DM). In winter and spring, Atrilplex canescens had higher NDF, ADF, ADL contents than in summer. In all seasons, condensed tannins and EE content were generally low, whereas the ash content was extremely high with (243.8 g par kg DM) in spring and (197.3 g par kg DM) in winter. The gas and methane production at 24 h incubation ranged from 47 to 67.66 ml and 4.67 to 8.70 ml respectively and decreased in spring season. It is concluded that season had a significant effect on the nutritive value of Atriplex canescens; which is low in spring and relatively high in summer and winter
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