Determination of changes in nutrient content and in vitro digestibility of kermes oak (quercus coccifera L.) growing in the provincial borders of burdur during the year

The purpose of this study is to investigate the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of nutrient content, cell wall components, condensed and extractable tannin content of kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L.), which is the main feed source for goat herds. Kermes oak which is found in the İstiklal campus of Mehmet Akif Ersoy University within the boundaries of Burdur province was exemplified. Sampling; in the direction indicated by the goatherds was made to include leaves, young shoots and some branches which were consumed by the goats. Sampling was made from 3 different stations within the area. The amount of crude nutrients (dry matter, (DM%), crude ash (CA%), crude protein (CP%), crude fibre (CF%) eter extract (EE%)), cell wall components (ADF%, NDF%, ADL%), total soluble tannin and condensed tannin content with IVDMD (by using two-stage technique) were determined on the samples (12 x 3 = 36 unit) between January 2017 and December 2017. It can be stated that, in terms of season average of CP, there was no statistically significant difference among the seasons under the conditions of Burdur climate province. On the other hand, we determined that average CF in spring and summer was significantly lower than the average CF in winter (P<0,05) and the highest EE during the year was in the autumn season (P<0,05). The average IVDMD of winter months was significantly lower than the average of summer and autumn months (P<0,05). In terms of total soluble tannin content, we found that, the average of autumn months was significantly lower than the average of winter and spring months (P<0,05). Under the conditions of Burdur province climate, it was concluded that, Kermes oak had low nutrient values and IVDMD in December, January and February during 2017. Keywords: Digestibility, İn vitro method, Kermes oak, Nutrient