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¹ Kafkas Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Hayvan Besleme ve Beslenme Hastalıkları ABD., KARS - Maximum output from ruminants can only be achieved by applying an accurate dietary formulation. Dry matter intake (DMI) and digestibility (DMD) are the most commonly used parameters in animal nutrition since nutrient intake, particularly energy, from forage is primarily influenced by DMI and DMD. Several indicator-based techniques have been used to estimate DMI and DMD. During the last decade the alkane technique has been developed for the estimation of these parameters, based on the use of alkanes, plant cuticular wax component, as indicators, in combination with dosed synthetic even-chain alkanes. Dosing is one of the major limitations of the alkane indicator technique. However, if an other indigestible material naturally present in diet could be used, instead of a dosed alkane such as sterols, this problem would be solved. It is concluded that alkane technique might be a useful technique for estimating DMI and DMD. Keywords : Alkane, indicator, intake, digestibility