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Chemical composition, rumen degradation kinetics and in vitro gas production of weeds with forage potential

Abstract:

The aim of this research was to determine the chemical composition,in situ rumen degradation kinetics and the effect on in vitro gas production of some weeds with forage potential of the Andean highlands of Ecuador. Six sheep (males) with average body weight 38.6 ± 2.8 kg were fitted with rumen cannula and the weeds ofChenopodiun album, Malva parviflora,Sonchus oleraceus, Rumex pulcher, and Amarantus albus were used. The rumen degradation kinetic of nutrients, chemical composition, in vitro digestibility of nutrients, and in vitro gas production were estimated. The crude protein of weeds (16 to 22%) was equal or higher in some cases (P = 0.0001) than the conventional fodder of P. clandestinum and L. perenne (16 to 14%, respectively). The weeds were lower (P = 0.0001) in the neutral detergent fiber content (18 to 25%) than P. clandestinum, L. perenne, and M. sativa (43 to 50%). The rumen nutrient degradation was higher (P <0.05) for forage weeds. The in vitro digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and crude protein were higher (P = 0.0001) for the weeds of M. parviflora and S. Oleraceus, meanwhile the values of M. sativa as fodder not weed was ranged between 72 and 75%, respectively. The in vitro gas production was lower (P = 0.0001) for fodder weeds. The evaluated weeds in this study can be incorporated in the diet of ruminants, because of their higher nutritional values, degradation and digestibility besides their effects on reducing the production of greenhouse gases.