Determination of nutritional contents of fennel harvest residues

Fennel harvest residues produced in the Tefenni district of Burdur province, which has an important place in fennel production in Turkey, are traditionally used in cattle and small ruminant feeding without scientific data. Farmers add the fennel harvest residues to the feeds of cattle and sheep as milk enhancer, carminative and reproductive enhancer. In the literature review, different studies were found on alternative roughage sources in the country, but no study could be found on fennel harvest residues. There are studies conducted in rabbits, buffaloes and goats in studies conducted around the world. Studies have generally focused on the seeds and pulp of medicinal and aromatic plants such as fennel. In the studies, a mini-questionnaire was conducted to compile ancestral information about the use of fennel harvest residues in animal nutrition in the region. In the study conducted with conventional and organic fennel harvest residues collected from the region in the 2020 production season, the raw nutrient contents, macro and micro nutrient composition of parts such as stalks and leaves left in the field after harvest, and the amount of trans anethole in these components were determined. In the study, the feed value and quality of fennel harvest residues used with ancestral methods for ruminant animals were revealed in the light of scientific data. Harvest residues, such as wheat straw, alfalfa straw, which are in the possession of the fennel producer and used for animal feeding without scientific data. It is expected to gain commercial value as feed materials.