Feed value of some halophytic range plants of arid regions of Iran

Abstract

The nutritive value of 12 halophytic range plants from arid regions of Iran was evaluated in terms of digestibility, crude protein, crude fibre and ash content. The crude protein and ash content of the chenopod species was rather higher than other species but crude fibre content of these species were lower than others. Higher ash content of chenopods was probably related to their salt content. Dry matter digestibility (DMD) of the species ranged from 41.5–78.5%. The higher organic matter digestibility (OMD) and digestible organic matter in dry matter (D-value) of chenopod species could be related to their lower crude fibre content. There was a high correlation between DMD D-value and OMD. However, no correlation was found between digestibility and crude protein or crude fibre.Key wordsCrude fibreCrude proteinDigestibilityNutritive valueSalt tolerant plants