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 the giant fennel (Ferula communicus L. -F), helis (Prangos ferulacea -H), gum- tragacanth (Astragalus microcephalus WILD. -G) leaves oak tree (Quercus robur -O), a naturally growing plant on high- altitude plateaus Eastern Anatolia, with those alfalfa. In digestibilities (IVTD) roughages were determined Ankom DaisyII incubator. terms crude protein (CP) content, lowest value H herb 7.35 %, highest alfalfa hay (A) 19.28% (p<0.05). G had higher acid detergent fiber (ADF) neutral (NDF) content O ether extract (EE) condensed tannin (CT) content. While IVDMD found (42.91%) (56.22%) cell wall structural components CT for F (70.47%) A (71.60%) Considering analyzed parameters, it can be said that is more suitable ruminant feeding than other roughages.