Chemical Composition and Methane Production Capabilities of Fallen Tree Leaves in Autumn

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the chemical composition, metabolic energy (ME), organic matter digestibility (OMD) and methane production capacities of tree leaves in the form of ghazel that fall in autumn. In thiss tudy, the leaves of peach, plum, cherry, apricot, apple, blackplum, and pear trees were examined. Drymatter (DM) content varied between 26.79 and 43.43%. The high est dry matter content was determined in peach leaves. The lowest crude ash (CA) content was observed in the pearleaf at 9.09%, while the highest was observed in the apricot leaves at 20.55%. The Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) contents of tree leaves were changed between 28.67 and 44.48%. The lowest NDF content was determined in cherry leaves, while the highest was determined for peach leaves. The highest aciddetergent fiber (ADF) values were observed in pear leaves at 26.07%, while the lowest were obtained from apricot leaves with 21.52%. The lowest crude protein (CP) content was determined for pear leaves with 5.43%, while the highest was determined for plum leaves at 9.27%. Gas production values and net methane production values of tree leaves ranged from 84.53 to 113.86 ml, and 10.52 to 15.63 ml respecti vely. While the percent methane production values of tree leaves ranged between 12.09 and 14.56%, the lowest was observed in pear leaves. OMD contents were changed between 70.31-81.42 %. The highest OMD content was determined in apricot leaves and the lowest in pear leaves. ME values ranged between 7.67-9.13, respectively.