Chemical composition of Quercus ithaburensis subsp. macrolepis (Kotschy) Hedge & Yaltirik acorns from different regions

Valonia oak woodlands can be considered as agroforestry systems as they produce wood products, nuts and forage simultaneously. The objective of this study was the evaluation of the chemical composition of valonia oak acorns originated from two different regions. The acorns were collected from an islanding region (Isle of Kea) and from the continental Greece (Xiromero, Aitoloacarnania). The crude protein, the NDF, ADF and ADL contents were estimated in each acorn. According to the results, no significant differences were recorded between the two populations regarding the NDF, ADF and ADL contents. On the contrary, CP content of acorns from Kea was significantly higher than this of acorns from Xiromero. Crude protein contend of acorns is insufficient to meet maintenance demand of ruminants but could be considered as a supplementary feed for the winter period.