Influence of landscape and collection period on yield, nutritive value and in vitro digestibility of Quercus rugosa leaf litter and its potential use as sheep feed

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of landscape and collection period on yield and nutritive value of leaf litter from Quercus rugosa, and its potential use as sheep feed. Leaf litter collections were made at four periods during the defoliation season March and April 2013, in three different landscapes (canyon, hillocks or plateau). Biomass production, nutritive value and in vitro digestibility were estimated. In addition, the cafeteria technique was used to estimate the preference of Quercus rugosa leafs at inclusion levels of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70% (Dry Matter basis) by sheep fed maintenance diets. The leaf litter biomass production was greater (P < 0.05) in plateau landscape followed by canyon or hillocks, and was greater (P < 0.05) in early April and mid-April than in March and late April. The chemical composition was similar (P > 0.05) among collection periods, but condensed tannins (CT) increased in (P < 0.05) mid and late April. The in vitro organic matter digestibility parameters a, b and a + b were greater (P < 0.05) as advanced the collection period. Ewes fed diets with 0, 10, 20 and 30% of fallen leaves of Q. rugosa had greater (P < 0.05) proportion of eaten diet and palatability index than ewes fed diets with 50, 60 or 70% of fallen leaves. It is concluded that the leaf litter yield of Q. rugosa is greater on the plateau landscape than at canyon or hillocks landscapes, but biomass production is greater in the middle defoliation period (early and mid-April). The chemical composition was not affected by landscape or harvest period, except for CT that was reduced in late stages of defoliation (Mid and Late April). The fallen leaves of Q. rugosa can be included up to 30% in a maintenance diet of sheep, without having negative effects on feed palatability.