Elemental composition of grazing plant species in the eastern province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

The current research study was performed to contribute the knowledge in the nutritional value of grazing plant species.

Mineral contents (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe) were evaluated for twenty-one species of grazing wild plants growing and scattering in the eastern region of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The results revealed that the contents of the estimated minerals in most of the evaluated plant species were quite enough for the sheep and camels dietary requirements.

However, all plant species under study showed very high level of Na where the values rang varied between 15.5 (in Pennisetum divisum) and 17.45% in Arthrocnemum specie.

Calcium content ranged between 0.7 to 5.97 % in Arthrocnemum and Halopeplis species, respectively.

While, the contents of potassium, magnesium and phosphorus differed from 1.10 – 2.9%, 0.18-1.49%, 0.13-0.44%, respectively.

The range of microelements Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe were 9.50 (Seidlitzia Rosmarinus)-31.22 (Atriplex halimus), 46.93 (Seidlitzia Rosmarinus)- 57.87 (Rhanterium eppaposum), 32.65 (Atriplex halimus)-175.21 (Aeluropus lagopoides) and 211.66 (Calligonum comosum)-1778.99 (Aeluropus lagopoides).

The paper concluded that these halophytic plant species are good minerals sources for animals.

Using these plants as alternative diets to partially replace the common dietary materials, could reduce the imported forage cost.