Preliminary identification of trees that could serve as complementary forage for ruminant livestock under the climatic conditions predicted to occur in Auvergne in 2050

In this study, we measured the feed value, the freeze tolerance, and the drought tolerance of leaves from 14 woody plant species occurring in Auvergne. Analyses of leaf composition and digestible organic matter in vitro showed that white mulberry (Morris alba) and black elder (Sambucus nigra) have a high potential nutritional value, equivalent to that of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), which was used as a control. Other species, such as alpine currant (Ribes alpinum) and small-leaved lime (Tillia cordata), were highly tolerant of freezing and drought. Although some trade-offs will be necessary, certain native woody species could serve as useful sources of complementary forage for ruminant livestock under the climatic conditions expected to occur in Auvergne in 2050.