Study in-Vitro Digestibility of Vicia Narbonensis L. and Vicia Sativa L. Seeds Cultivated for Ruminants

Abstract

Vicia narbonensis L. and Vicia sativa L. seeds are legumes rich in protein and energy, commonly used for ruminant feeding. Their integration into feed rations requires an assessment of their digestibility, a crucial factor for their nutritional value. This study aims to determine the in-vitro organic matter digestibility of these seeds, obviously while taking into account the influence of the semi-arid climatic conditions of Sétif on their chemical composition. The experiment involved two species of the genus Vicia, with ten ecotypes of Vicia narbonensis L. from ICARDA and two ecotypes of Vicia sativa L. from Algeria, the latter serving as controls due to their wide use by Algerian farmers. The data were subjected to variance analysis followed by a Fisher test (LSD) at significance threshold at 5%. The results show a significant variability (P < 0.05) in digestibility between the ecotypes of the two species. The most digestible ecotypes are for Vicia narbonensis L.; ecotypes N-2392 (dMO = 77%) and N-2464 (dMO = 75%), and for Vicia sativa L.; ecotype S-BBA (dMO = 74%). Thus, the Vicia narbonensis and Vicia sativa seeds grown in Sétif can be an excellent source feed for ruminants. Their digestibility is generally high but can be optimized by technological processes such as soaking or cooking. It is important to take into account local specificities to determine the best way to incorporate these seeds into animal rations.