Nutritional values of Halocnemum strobilaceum (Pall.) M. Bieb. and Halostachys caspica (Pall.) C. A. Meyer in different phenological stages (Case study: north-western rangelands of Golestan province)

This research was performed to determine the nutritional values of Halocnemum strobilaceum and Halostachys caspica and study the effects of different phenological stages (vegetative, flowering, seeding) on the chemical composition in these species. The results showed that crude protein, ADF, NDF, DDM, ash, EE, ME, DMI, RFV, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, iron and manganese were different significantly in different phenological stages (p H. strobilaceum). The content of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, copper, iron, manganese measured at different growth stages, were more than critical level for ruminants.; however, the content of phosphorus and zinc were less than critical level. Generally, mineral elements of two species are provided all elements livestock needs, except zinc and phosphorus.