Green fodder was harvested from Jerusalem artichoke in August prior to
harvesting of the tubers. Digestibility of the fodder was determined in a trial using ten
Os simi rams and 10 Zaraibi bucks. The chemical composition of the fodder
comparable with berseem hay (as a common feed in summer season) was also
determined. 8ased on the basic chemical composition and the content of amino acids,
macroelements and the digestibility studies performed by the direct balance method.
digestibility coefficients of the green fodder as well as its dry matter and energy intake
and feeding value in sheep and goats were calculated. The green fodder contained
65.87% TON. 55.83% SE and 6.64% OCP for sheep and 63.48% TON. 53.48% SE
and 6.40% OCP for goats, comparable with berseem hay. 57.64% TON. 38.98% SE
and 8.54% OCP for sheep and 55.01% TON. 36.41% SE and 8.19% OCP for goats. It
is concluded that the green fodder from Jerusalem artichoke can be used in feeding
ruminants.