Model fd 23

The proximate composition of the experimental diets was analyzed according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists’ standard procedures [28 ]. Crude protein content was evaluated by auto Kjeldahl system (Model UDK159, VELP, Italy), and crude lipid content by ether-extraction method using a Soxhlet Extractor (Model 6XL, Soxhlet Extraction Apparatus, Bakhshi Co., Tehran, Iran). Moisture content was evaluated by the oven (Model FD 23, Binder, Germany) drying at 105 °C for 24 h, and ash content by using a muffle furnace (Carbolite RHF 17/6S, Carbolite Ltd., England) at 550 °C for 4 h.

Aerial parts (stems with leaves and flowers) of S.hortensis were gathered in the summer of 2017 when at least 50% of the flowers were in bloom, and the volatile oil content reached its maximum. The plants were harvested in late July from a local producer (21º 19′ E longitude and 46º 9′ N latitude), Arad county. Harvested plant material was dried at 35ºC for 7 days using a drying oven (Model FD23, Binder, Germany), and voucher specimens were taken and stored at the Institute of Technical and Natural Sciences Research-Development-Innovation of "Aurel Vlaicu" University of Arad.