Evaluation of selected feed parameters of grapevine leaves using the near infrared spectroscopy method
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24425/jwld.2025.156050Abstract
In the face of increasing demand for food and limited natural resources, agriculture faces great challenges, including the need to find alternative sources of feed for livestock. One promising solution is the use of grapevine (Vitis vinifera) leaves, which are a by-product of the wine industry. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in the chemical composition of the leaves of four grape cultivars (‘Regent’, ‘Rondo’, ‘Seyval Blanc’, ‘Solaris’) and to assess their potential as feed for livestock. The research was carried out at the Nobilis vineyard in the Sandomierska Upland. Leaf biometric and quality parameters such as leaf area, mass of 1 leaf, number of leaves per shoot, number of lignified shoots per bush and content of moisture, protein, fibre, ash, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), organic matter (OM) and dry matter (DM) digestibility and total sugars were analysed. The results showed significant differences between cultivars. ‘Solaris’ had the highest area (1.27 m2) and leaf mass (0.0086 kg), which may suggest its higher potential as a feedstock. ‘Seyval Blanc’ had the smallest leaves but the highest number of leaves per shoot and per 1 ha area, which may be beneficial for crop intensification. The ‘Rondo’ and ‘Regent’ cultivars stood out for their high protein content and digestibility, making them a valuable feed ingredient. ‘Regent’ also contained the highest soluble sugar content (7.59%). The use of vine leaves as feed can help reduce waste in wine production, support sustainable agriculture and improve the quality of feed for livestock.References
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