Substitution of alfalfa hay with Rumex pulcher L. and its effect on in vitro gas production and ruminal fermentability

In this study, the effects of Rumex pulcher L. forage added to alfalfa hay as an alternative roughage source in ruminants at different mixing ratios (0, 25, 50 and 100%) on gas and methane production, in vitro digestibility properties and rumen fermentation parameters were determined by in vitro gas production technique. Experimental groups were formed of control (C: 100 % alfalfa hay), Rumex pulcher L. forage 1 (75 % alfalfa hay + 25 % Rumex pulcher L. forage), Rumex pulcher L. forage 2 (50 % alfalfa hay + 50 % Rumex pulcher L. forage) and Rumex pulcher L. forage 3 (100 % Rumex pulcher L. forage). Each experimental group was designed with 5 replicates. Rumex pulcher L. forage was significantly higher (P < 0.001) crude protein and lower neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber content than alfalfa hay. While gas and methane production did not change in all treatments, Rumex pulcher L. forage 3 had the highest organic matter digestibility compared to the other treatment groups. As the rates of Rumex pulcher forage increased, an increase was observed in the amount of microbial protein synthesis parameters. Rumen parameters except acetic acid were different among all treatments. Rumex pulcher L. forage can be included in ruminant rations in order to reduce feed costs, due to its superior properties compared to alfalfa hay in terms of nutrient composition, in vitro digestibility and microbial protein synthesis. Furthermore, it is important to conduct further studies on this species, which grows uncultivated in nature, and explore it as an alternative forage source.