Chemical composition, DM and NDF degradation kinetics in rumen of seven legume straws

Seven legume straws (Cicer arietinum, Vicia benghalensis, Vicia sativa, Vicia villosa, Vicia faba, Lens culinaris and Pisum sativum) were studied in rumen-cannulated rams. The chemical composition of the studied legume straws varied from 4.3 to 10.1% for ash. 6.1 to 11.4% for CP, 58.0 to 76.5% for NDF, 40.3 to 59.6% for ADF and 8.2 to 14.2% for ADL. Extent of degradation for DM and NDF by the nylon-bag technique varied between 45.4 and 63.2%, and 36.6 and 57.1%, respectively.The lowest DM degradability was seen in chickpeas and the lowest NDF degradability in horse beans. The highest values for NDF and DM were seen in peas. Significant differences between DM and NDF degradation kinetics were observed in most of the straws using the Gallant test. The differences may be explained by the variation in cell-wall content. NDF potential degradability was negatively, and significantly, correlated with NDF, ADF, and ADL contents (r=-0.829. p ≤ 0.05; r=-0.826, p≤0.05; and r=-0.917, p≤0.01; respectively). The use of the aforementioned legume straws by ruminants may have some advantages relative to some cereal straws, due to their higher DM degradability and degradation rate in the rumen.