Ruminal degradability of 3 halophyte species including Phragmites australis, Nitraria schoberi and Atriplex canescens were determined and compared with the measure parameters for alfalfa hay and wheat straw samples. In situ ruminal degradability was determined at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h after ruminal incubation. The results of ruminal degradability indicated that the a fraction (rapidly degradable) of Atriplex canescens was significantly (P < 0.05) highest among the halophytes and alfalfa hay or wheat straw whereas lowest of this fraction was observed in Phragmites australis. The value b fraction (slowly degradable) for wheat straw and Phragmites australis was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than other treatments, respectively. The c fraction (rate of degradation) of Nitraria schoberi was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that for other treatments whereas lowest level of c was absorbed in Phragmites australis and wheat straw samples. Potential degradability (PD) level of alfalfa (0.6357) and Atriplex canescens (0.6065) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than other forage whereas lowest of this factor was observed in Phragmites australis (0.4639). Also effective degradability (ED) level in alfalfa (0.5621) and Atriplex canescens (0.5366) were significantly (P < 0.05) highest among the other treatments whereas lowest level of ED was observed in Phragmites australis (0.2663) and wheat straw (0.5995). It was concluded that ruminal degradability of Atriplex canescens similar to alfalfa hay and Phragmites australis had similar value with wheat straw.

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