Diversity in the chemical composition and digestibility of leaves from fifty woody species in temperate areas

International audience; In temperate regions, tree leaves could be a source of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals for ruminants. Our objective was to study the diversity in chemical composition and digestibility of leaves on a panel of native woody species or potentially adapted to temperate regions. The leaves of 28 trees, 14 shrubs and 8 liana species were collected during summer across locations in France. Shoots of 8 herbaceous species were also collected for comparison. Fodder samples were analysed for in vitro digestibility (IVDMD), dry matter content and concentrations in crude protein (CP), neutral and acid detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, ash, condensed tannins (CT), and macro and micro minerals. All these variables, expressed on DM basis, varied widely according to species (P