Chemical analysis
Dry matter was determined by drying samples at 65 °C
for 48 h to constant weight. Crude protein was analyzed by
the Kjeltec System (Tecator, Denmark) using AOAC methods
(1990). Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent
fiber (ADF) were determined according to the method
of Van Soest et al. (1991). pH was measured using a pH
meter (HI9321, Hanna Instrument, Portugal). Water soluble
carbohydrate was determined by the method of Dubois
et al. (1956)