Nutrient content and in vitro digestibility of kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L.) growing in the provincial borders of Burdur

The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), nutrient content, cell wall components, total and condensed tannin content of kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L.) which is the main feed source for goat herds. Kermes oak was exemplified in 3 different stations during a year (12 months). Sampling was made to include leaves, some branches, acorns and young shoots, if any based on season, which were consumed by the goats. The amount of dry matter (DM), crude ash (CA), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), total tannin and condensed tannin content, and IVDMD (by using two-stage technique) were determined on the samples (12 x 3 = 36). Crude protein values were not statistically significant in terms of seasonal averages. On the other hand, it was found that the CF in spring and summer was significantly lower than the CF in winter (P<0.05) and the highest EE during the year was in the autumn (P<0.05). IVDMD of winter season was significantly lower than summer and autumn. (P<0.05). In terms of total tannin content, it was revealed that autumn was significantly lower than winter and spring (P<0.05). It was concluded that the nutritional values and IVDMD of kermes oak were low in the winter season.