Determining the Nutritional Value of Apple Tree Leaves for Ruminants Using the Nylon Bags Technique

The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition, in situ rumen Dry Matter (DMD) and Organic Matter Degradability (OMD48) of Apple tree leaves. In this study, Apple tree leaves were collected from the different parts of East Azerbaijan province. Chemical composition including Dry Matter (DM), Crude Protein (CP), crude Ash (Ash), ether extract, Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) and tannin compounds, 92.53, 10.80, 8.6, 9, 23, 15.4 and 1.615%, respectively measured. In situ rumen degradability was performed with of three Taleshi native male cattle rumen fistulaed in times at 0, 4, 8, 16, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h. Potential degradation (a+b) for dry matter and organic matter were estimated, 91.99 and 91.27%, respectively. Effective rumen degradable dry matter and organic matter at a rate of 0.05/h, 72.40 and 71.30%, respectively were estimated. Metabolisable energy was 11.97 (MJ/Kg DM) for Apple tree leaves. The studies shown that the apple leaves had high nutritive value and therefore, may serve as potential supplements for ruminant diets.