What is Gundelia Forage?

javid keshtleyzeri Co.ltd

List of Contents in This Section:

The Necessity of Using Gundelia Forage
What is the Botanical Specification of Gundelia?
Ecological Requirements of Gundelia
How is Gundelia Harvested?

In the following sections, these topics will be further examined.

The Necessity of Using Gundelia Forage:

In light of the shortage of livestock feed resources worldwide, the importance of identifying and processing new feed resources for livestock and poultry in the economic plans of advanced countries, especially Iran, has become evident. Gundelia is a plant found in mountainous and semi-steppe regions of Iran, naturally proliferating in abundance. Due to its nutritional role for monogastric animals such as horses, cows, and donkeys, Gundelia is considered a key feed source. However, due to its lower nutritional value in terms of crude protein, farmers have been hesitant to include it in animal diets. To enhance the nutritional value of Gundelia, enriching elements such as urea and molasses are added in appropriate amounts. Proper training in Gundelia silage and its correct use in animal nutrition can help farmers meet a significant portion of their livestock's feed needs each year at a lower cost, reducing dependency on expensive feeds and preserving the meadows where this plant grows.

What is the Botanical Specification of Gundelia?

Gundelia, scientifically known as Gundelia tournefortii and belonging to the Compositae family, is a perennial plant reproduced through seeds and creeping roots. It is a self-growing plant with thorny leaves and thick stems resembling celery. There are two main species: field Gundelia (thorny) and European Gundelia. The white internal pith, stem core, and Hagdan are the edible parts of this plant, used in soups, stews, and salads. Due to its auxiliary role in digestion, Gundelia gained attention, becoming a famous vegetable in Europe during the 16th century. Considering the high oil content and unsaturated fatty acids in Gundelia seeds, it can be introduced as a source of vegetable oil.

Table 1 - Botanical Specification of Gundelia:

Persian Name	کنگر
English Name	Gundelia
Scientific Name	Gundelia tournefortii
Family	Compositae

Ecological Requirements of Gundelia:

Research indicates that Gundelia thrives in regions with an annual rainfall of 880 mm, an average temperature of 16 degrees Celsius, loamy clay soil texture, acidity of 3.8, and electrical conductivity of 0.16 milliSiemens per centimeter. The greening of young plant leaves begins in early December, and the plant's growth phase continues until mid-April. In mid-April, the buds appear, and the seeds mature in mid-June.

Herders collect the aerial parts of Gundelia in late growth season and feed it to animals in winter. This plant is also consumed in the early stages of spring growth. However, when the plant turns yellow, herders harvest, collect, dry, and store it.

How is Gundelia Harvested?

Initially, the regions with Gundelia distribution are identified, and the harvesting phase, which is between flowering and dryness, is carried out according to herders' practices. After harvesting, Gundelia is dried appropriately, collected from the field, and chopped into 3-4 cm pieces. The average yield per hectare is 2-1.5 tons of dry forage. In this state, chopped Gundelia forage contains 93% dry matter and 7% moisture, eliminating the need for additional water.

The process of making Gundelia silage involves enriching principles, such as urea and molasses, in the necessary proportions. This enriched solution is sprayed onto 100 grams of Gundelia straw to ensure uniform moisture distribution. Afterward, the silage material is compacted, and the silo is covered with straw, flowers, and nylon to prevent external weather fluctuations and air circulation.