Nutrient Composition of Atriplex Leaves Grown in Saudi Arabia

Leaves of 6 Atriplex species (saltbush) grown in Saudi Arabia were studied for their nutritive characteristics. Crude protein contents varied between 16.7 - 25.2%, crude fat between 1.0 - 1.6%, crude fiber between 7.8 - 10.4%, and ash between 18.5 - 27.2%, on a dry matter basis. A. undulata had the lowest and A. nummularia had the highest protein and fiber contents. Ash content was lowest in A. canescens and highest in A. undulata. The level of Na was extremely low (0.21%) in A. canescens compared to that in the other species (2.38 - 5.57%). The level of K (6.06%) was highest in A. canescens compared to 2.48 - 3.54% in other species. Ca content was significantly higher in A. vesicaria (2.48%) than that in the remaining species (1.12 - 1.50%). Variations in the levels of P, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn were only minor. Sulphur amino acids (methionine + cystine) were the most deficient essential amino acids in all species (chemical score = 45 - 61) while lysine contents were 75 - >100% of the FAO/WHO (1973) reference protein. Predicted digestible dry matter ranged between 74.5 - 78.8% and digestible energy (M Cals/Kg) between 3.215-3.399. These data suggest that Atriplex leaves as a range forage for livestock would have good nutritive value.