Evaluation of the Nutritive Value and the Fatty Acid, Phenol, Tannin and Terpenoid Contents of Nine Pastures in an Alpine District during the Summer Season

Abstract

A study was conducted over the summer of 2014 on nine Alpine pastures in the Chisone and Susa Valleys (NW Italy). The aim was to characterize the variation in the chemical composition, gross energy, in vitro true digestibility (IVTD), in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD), fatty acids (FA), total phenols, total and condensed tannin contents, and terpenoid profile. The dry matter, ash, crude protein, acid detergent fiber, lignin, and gross energy contents of the pastures were found to differ. All the pastures had good IVTD (706–829 g/kg DM) and NDFD (487–694 g/kg NDF) values. The most abundant FAs in all the pastures were α-linolenic (354–519 g/kg of the total FAs), linoleic (75–110 g/kg of the total FAs), and palmitic acid (64–89 g/kg of the total FAs) and they differed significantly among pastures. No significant differences were found in the total phenols, or in the total and condensed tannin contents among pastures. Fifty-eight terpenoids were detected and 4-cyclopentene-1, 3-dione, β-caryophyllene, and eucalyptol were the most abundant. The terpenoids differed both qualitatively and quantitatively among pastures. The results highlight the importance of the great biodiversity of pastures, which provide a balanced distribution of fundamental nutritional elements and bioactive compounds in grasslands.

The Noble Method in the dairy sector as a sustainable production system to improve the nutritional composition of dairy products: A review

“…It was reported the content of terpenes varied qualitatively and quantitatively in different pastures (Peiretti et al . 2020).…”

“…By changing the intake of different forage species in goats' diet, a variation of the terpene profile in milk was obtained (Fedele et al 2004). It was reported the content of terpenes varied qualitatively and quantitatively in different pastures (Peiretti et al 2020).…”

Characterization of bovine ruminal content focusing on energetic potential use and valorization opportunities

“…There was established a clear correlation between high lignin content and low degradability of biomass content by rumen and methanogens microorganisms [ 13 , 14 ]. Climate and geolocation were important factors in the lignin content and complex chemical composition of pastures ingesting bovine, influencing ruminal fermentation and methane production [ 15 ]. On the other hand, several investigations have shown the effectivity of rumen microorganisms on degraded lignin-cellulose biomass aiming to obtain biogas via fermentation [ 16 , 17 ].…”

Effects of Management Practices on Soil Properties and Plant Nutrition in Hay Meadows in Picos de Europa

“…However, abandonment reduces the frequency of the perturbation, which greatly favors the herbaceous species, and in the mid and long term leads to communities richer in ligneous species, which are generally less diverse [8]. Hay meadows play an important role in the production of milk and meat and for this reason it is important to determine the contents of nutrients in semi-natural meadows [9,10].…”

“…• C;3 Organic matter;4 Available P extracted by Mehlich 3 method;5 Effective Cation Exchange Capacity;6 Calcium carbonate equivalent;7 Active Calcium Carbonate Equivalent;8 Available boron;9 Dry matter.…”