Climate change, feed shortages, and rising production costs highlight the need for alternative and sustainable forages for ruminants. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional composition, in vitro ruminal fermentation, and methane emissions of Urtica dioica ecotypes originating from contrasting bioclimatic zones in Tunisia. Aerial parts of Urtica dioica were harvested at the early flowering stage from arid, semi-arid, and sub-humid regions. Samples were subjected to chemical composition in vitro ruminal fermentation to determine dry matter degradability (DMD), neutral detergent fiber degradability (NDFD), metabolizable energy (ME), and methane production. The results demonstrate that Urtica dioica is a promising protein-rich forage, with a stable crude protein content across ecotypes (18.58–20.97% of dry matter). In contrast, NDFD, DMD, ME, and methane emissions varied significantly according to origin. The arid ecotype, characterized by the highest fiber, ether extract, and polyphenol content, exhibited the lowest DMD (53% vs. 61% and 60%), NDFD (45% vs. 55% and 56%), and ME (7.2 vs. 8.6 and 9.0 MJ/kg dry matter) but produced the lowest methane emissions (38.8 vs. 53.2 and 74.2 mL CH₄/kg DMD) compared with the semi-arid and sub-humid ecotypes. The semi-arid and sub-humid ecotypes had comparable DMD, NDFD, and ME values; however, methane emissions were higher in the sub-humid ecotype. Overall, the semi-arid ecotype provided the most favorable balance between nutritive quality and environmental sustainability. These findings highlight the critical role of ecological origin in determining the feeding value and greenhouse gas footprint of Urtica dioica, providing a scientific basis for its potential use as a sustainable forage in ruminant feeding systems.

This study investigated the combined effects of seminal plasma (SP) and Sonchus oleraceus L. aqueous extract on post-thaw sperm quality and fertilizing ability in rams. Semen collected from seven adult rams was pooled and divided into six experimental groups according to the presence (SP+) or absence (SP−) of SP and supplementation with 0, 0.5, or 2 g/L of Sonchus oleraceus extract. Samples were cryopreserved in a Tris–egg yolk–citric acid extender. Post-thaw sperm quality using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test, and oxidative stress biomarkers, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and total thiols as antioxidative parameter were evaluated. Removal of SP significantly enhanced several kinematic parameters (VCL, ALH, DCL) and reduced abnormal morphology (p < 0.05), whereas its presence improved motion quality indicators such as beat cross frequency (BCF), linearity (LIN), and straightness (STR) (p < 0.05). However, SP removal induced a marked oxidative imbalance, characterized by increased ROS and MDA levels and decreased total thiols (p < 0.001). Supplementation with S. oleraceus extract improved membrane integrity and restored redox balance by increasing thiols levels (p = 0.0001) and reducing lipid peroxidation (p < 0.001), with significant SP × dose interactions. Based on these results, in vitro fertilization (IVF) was performed only using SP+ groups, as the presence of SP ensured a more physiologically relevant environment and maintained oxidative balance necessary for fertilization. No significant differences were detected in cleavage or blastocyst rates among the three S. oleraceus extract doses. These findings highlight an interaction between SP and Sonchus oleraceus aqueous extract, suggesting that combining endogenous protein-rich components with exogenous plant-derived antioxidants may enhance post-thaw sperm functionality and its oxidative status in rams.

Rising feed costs and the need for more sustainable livestock production have increased interest in co-products as alternative feed resources for rabbits. However, their nutritional value may be underestimated when evaluated only through pre-cecal enzymatic digestion, without considering cecal degradation. This study comparatively characterized pea hulls, artichoke bracts, date flesh, and date pits (three independent sources each, n = 3) and evaluated their nutritional potential using a sequential in vitro procedure combining pre-cecal enzymatic digestion with cecal degradation. Date flesh, characterized by high non-fibrous carbohydrate and low fiber, showed the highest pre-cecal enzymatic dry matter and organic matter digestibility (89.44% and 89.58%, respectively), with minimal additional contribution from cecal degradation. Pea hulls contained the highest crude protein (24.97% of dry matter) and showed high additional degradation of structural carbohydrates during the cecal phase, reaching cumulative neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber digestibility (47.18% and 41.90%, respectively). Artichoke bracts showed moderate pre-cecal enzymatic digestibility and substantial additional utilization during cecal degradation. Date pits had the highest fiber, lignin, and tannin concentrations and the lowest pre-cecal enzymatic digestibility, although cecal degradation partially improved their nutrient utilization. Overall, these in vitro results suggest that cecal degradation can contribute substantially to the digestibility of residual structural carbohydrates in fiber co-products.