Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences

Abstract

Nutritional Value and Chemical Constituents of some accessions of Cenchrus ciliaris L. from Ha’il, Saudi Arabia

Ahmed Ali Alghamdi

The current study was conducted to assess the nutritional value and the mineral content of some local accessions of Cenchrus ciliaris of Ha’il region, Saudi Arabia. Six accessions of the Cenchrus ciliaris were collected and analyzed in spring 2016. The study showed that the protein content varied from 1.17±0.34-2.56±0.69 DW%, the sugar content varied from 0.8±0.96-1.7±0.54 DW %., the starch content varied from 0.3±0.08-1±0.78 DW %, (ADF) varied from 26±5.57-70±0.23 DW %, and finally (TDN) varied from 30±2.21-74±0.98 DW%. Such results suggest that C. ciliaris accessions have lower values of protein, sugar and starch compared to common forages such as alfalfa. In addition, the accessions’ content of Calcium varied from 0.27-3 mg/kg, Sodium content varied from 0.15-7 mg/kg, Potassium content varied from 8-17 mg/kg, Iron varied from 0.31-1.99 mg/kg and finally, Zinc varied from 0.07-0.19 mg/kg. These findings suggest that at least C. ciliaris accessions’ content of Calcium and Potassium is sufficient enough to meet ruminants’ dietary requirements

Published Date: 2016-10-03;