Determination of In Vitro True Digestibility and Relative Feed Values of Alternative Roughage Sources

The aim of this study was to compare chemical composition, relative feed values, and in vitro true digestibility of the giant fennel insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Ferula communicus L. -F);, helis insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Prangos ferulacea L. -H);, gum- tragacanth insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Astragalus microcephalus WILD. -G); and leaves oak tree insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(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 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(IVTD); of roughages were determined with the Ankom DaisyII incubator. In terms of crude protein insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(CP); content, the lowest value was determined in H herb with 7.35 %, and the highest value was determined in alfalfa hay insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(A); with 19.28% insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.05);. G hay had higher acid detergent fiber insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(ADF); and neutral detergent fiber insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(NDF); content and O leaves had higher ether extract insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(EE); and condensed tannin insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(CT); content. While the lowest IVDMD were found in G hay insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(42.91%); and O leaves insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(56.22%); with the highest cell wall structural components and CT content, the highest digestibility value was determined for F insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(70.47%); and A insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(71.60%); insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.05);. Considering the analyzed parameters, it can be said that F hay is more suitable for ruminant feeding than other roughages.