Effect of Watery and Alcoholic Medicinal Plants Extractions on In-Vitro Ruminant Digestibility

Abstract

Two methods of extraction of some medicinal plants, water and alcoholic extractions for Nigella sativa,rosemary, borage, lemon balm and licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) were employed to test their effects on in-vitrorumen digestion trial. Total phenolics contents significantly increased in their water extractions in contrast to theiralcoholic extractions. Dry matter digestibility (DMD) significantly increased the water extractions of lemon balm,rosemary and licorice root: 68.47, 70.16 and 73.49 % compared to the control with 76.92%, respectively. Similartrend was observed with organic matter digestibility values (OMD): 69.71, 72.93 and 74.11% compared to thecontrol with 77.51%, respectively. However, there was an overall significant increase in the studied digestioncoefficient values with alcoholic extractions of the same plants. In conclusion, the alcoholic extractions of somemedicinal plants can be recommended to be used in ruminant nutrition when these medicinal plant extracts are to beincluded in their feed for better digestibility values of dry matter and organic matter