In vitro ruminal fermentation, nutritional evaluation and antioxidant activity of some forest shrubs of North West Tunisia for goats

Chemical composition and characteristics of in vitro fermentation were determined for two shrubs (Genista aspalathoides and Rhamnus alaternus) collected from north western Tunisia. The primary and secondary chemical composition was determined and in vitro fermentation parameters were measured in 100 ml glass syringes for 48 hours to determine gas production. There are significant differences in chemical and wall composition for the two shrubs studied (p < 0.05). Rhamnus alaternus is richer in secondary metabolites (59.2 mg GAE / g DM) than Genista aspalathoides and has the highest content of crude protein (CP). Genista aspalathoides had the lowest anti-radical activity since it has the highest levels of secondary metabolites, so it is the most digestible species with the highest value of gas production after 24 hours incubation and released more methane than Rhamnus alaternus. Keywords: Shrub, Chemical composition, in vitro fermentation, antioxidant activity, methane