Determination of Feed Value of Mistletoe Collected in Niğde Region by In vitro Gas Production Technique

Abstract

In this study nutrient content and In vitro digestibility of Mistletoe were determined in order to find out its potential to be used in the diets of ruminants. Mistletoe was collected by pruning shears during fruiting period from apricot (Purunus genus) and almond (Amygdalus communis L.) trees around the Bor road in Niğde. Four samples were taken for each tree species and later samples were divided in to four sub samples as whole plant, stalks, leaves and fruits to evaluate feed value. For the assessment of the feed value by In vitro gas production technique, rumen liquor and content was taken from a slaughter house nearby the laboratory. Mistletoe was incubated in 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. Crude protein, crude fat, ADF and NDF content of different parts of Mistletoe plant (whole plant, stalks, leaves and fruits) collected from apricot tree were in the ranges of 90.25 and 120.82, 80.05 and 100.13, 190.29 and 330.17, 280.85 and 500.86 g kg- 1 DM, respectively while those of Mistletoe plant collected from almond trees were 100.37and 140.67, 80.42 and 100.35, 200.45 and 360.87, 340.29 and 530.10 g kg- 1 DM respectively. In vitro organic matter digestibility (DOM), metabolizable energy (ME) and net energy lactation (NEL) values of Mistletoe collected from apricot trees were ranged between 0.60 and 0.74, 9.0 and 11.17 ME kg- 1 DM and 6.08 and 7.71 NEL kg-1 DM, respectively while those of Mistletoe collected from almond trees were ranged between 0.63 and 0.76, 9.40 and 11.26 ME kg- 1 DM and 6.39 and 7.98 NEL kg- 1 DM, respectively. There were statistically differences in the DOM, ME and NEL values of different parts of the Mistletoe. In general, the mistletoe was moderate in protein and in fibre, and high in crude fat content compared with forages and very good in ME and NEL content. In conclusion, unless its harmful effects on health and performance are shown in feeding trials, mistletoe has good potential as a feed ingredient in the diets of ruminants.