Investigating the nutritional value and ensiling possibility of purslane as a weed plant (Portulaca oleracea L.) with or without wheat bran

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is a weed forage that can grow in most parts of Iran; however, the nutritional value of this plant has been less considered. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the chemical composition and in vitro fermentation parameters of fresh and ensiled portulaca oleracea with or without wheat bran. Purslane was harvested during the flowering stage and ensiled in polyethylene containers for 60 days. Experimental treatments included: 1) fresh purslane, 2) purslane silage without additive, 3) purslane silage+16% wheat bran (fresh weight), and 4) purslane silage+32% wheat bran (fresh weight). The crude protein of the four treatments ranged from 19.27% to 26.86%. The highest concentration of ammonia nitrogen (10.85% of total nitrogen) and pH (4.72) of silage extract were observed in silage without additive, but the concentrations of lactic acid and total volatile fatty acids were highest in the silages containing wheat bran (P<0.05). After ensiling, the true digestibility of organic matter (71.03%) and dry matter (70.05%), as well as potential gas production (28.90 mL), showed a significant decrease compared to fresh purslane (P<0.05). In general, purslane had a favorite protein content and digestibility in animal feeding. Although the nutritional value of fresh purslane was higher in comparison with silage, ensiling can reduce the problems of drying. Purslane silage without additive had low dry matter content and contained mildew, but the quality of purslane was improved when wheat bran was added to the silage.