Nutritive Value of Ajuga iva as a Pastoral Plant for Ruminants: Plant Phytochemicals and In Vitro Gas Production and Digestibility

This study aims to evaluate the nutritive value of Ajuga iva (A. iva) harvested from three distinct altitude regions in Tunisia (Dougga, Mograne, and Nabeul). The chemical composition, phenolic concentration, gas production, vitro dry matter (DM) digestibility were determined. highest concentrations neutral detergent fiber (NDF) acid (ADF) for A. cultivated Nabeul. In contrast, crude protein (CP) concentration was observed that lowest (p < 0.01) CP noted Dougga. Additionally, cultivation affected free-radical scavenging activity, total flavonoids, polyphenols 0.01). activity with Dougga Mograne. 0.05) production rate lag time Mograne Nabeul regions. DM differed between methods determination. degradability, determined by method Tilley Terry Van Soest et al., Dougga, while recorded region. Likewise, metabolizable energy (ME) values higher collected region than other sampling areas. conclusion, Therefore, care should be taken when developing recommendations using an entire Season- region-specific feeding strategies are recommended.