Nutrient content and in vitro digestibility of kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L.) growing in the provincial borders of Burdur

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), nutrient content, cell wall components, total and condensed tannin content of kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L.) which is the main feed source for goat herds. Kermes oak was exemplified in 3 different stations during a year (12 months). Sampling was made to include leaves, some branches, acorns and young shoots, if any based on season, which were consumed by the goats. The amount of dry matter (DM), crude ash (CA), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), total tannin and condensed tannin content, and IVDMD (by using two-stage technique) were determined on the samples (12 × 3 = 36). Crude protein values were not statistically significant in terms of seasonal averages. On the other hand, it was found that the CF in spring and summer was significantly lower than the CF in winter (P<0.05) and the highest EE during the year was in the autumn (P<0.05). IVDMD of winter season was significantly lower than summer and autumn. (P<0.05). In terms of total tannin content, it was revealed that autumn was significantly lower than winter and spring (P<0.05). It was concluded that the nutritional values and IVDMD of kermes oak were low in the winter season.

Nutrient and Mineral Contents, and In vitroDigestibility of Kermes Oak (Quercus cocciferaL.) and Mock Privet (Phillyrea latifoliaL.)

“…In another study, it was found that the CF contents of kermes oak (124.2, 289.8, and 312.8 g/kg, respectively) were higher than those of the mock privet (116.0, 240.8 and 189.2 g/kg, respectively) in April, June, and September (Yolcu et al, 2014). In another study, the CF content in kermes oak was found to be within the range of 210.0-233.7 g (Türel and Buğdaycı, 2020).…”

“…Kökten et al (2012) found the CA contents in kermes oak and mock privet as 42.0 and 32.0 g/kg, respectively. On the other hand, Türel and Buğdaycı (2020) found the CA content to be 40.5 g/kg in the kermes oak. Whereas the amount of ME in the plant material is inversely associated with cell wall components, it has a positive association with CP and ash.…”

“…In another study by Yolcu et al (2014), it was reported that the DM contents of kermes oak and mock privet showed variation depending on the month (April, June, and September); and in April, the DM content of the mock privet (336.8 g/kg) was higher than that of the kermes oak (289.3 g/kg). Türel and Buğdaycı (2020) reported that the DM content of the kermes oak in Burdur varied depending on the season; the highest DM content was observed in winter, and the mean DM content was 571.2 g/kg.…”