Investigation of feed value of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) harvested at different maturity stages

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the green herbage and dry herbage yield, chemical and nutritional values and RFV of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) at different stages of maturity under Isparta ecological conditions in 2012. To achieve this goal random sampling plots was created according to an experimentation pattern, and the number of harvests was determined according to regional conditions. In chemical analysis, the following samples were analyzed for Dry Matter (DM), Crude Protein (CP), Ether Extract (EE), Ash, Crude Fiber (CF), Nitrogen Free Extract (NFE), Notral Detergent Fiber (NDF) and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), as well as macro and micro minerals. The highest total green herbage yield was 9609.33 kg/da during the budding period, which decreased by 28% with maturity. The highest total dry matter yield, which depends on hay yield, was determined as 1742.63 kg/da at the beginning of the flowering period. The highest CP was determined during the budding period and decreased with maturity. DM, CS, NDF and ADF content increased while ash, Digestible Dry Matter (DDM), Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN), Dry Matter Intake (DMI), Metabolisable Energy (ME), Net Energy Lactation (NEL), and Digestible Energy (DE) content decreased with maturity. The highest RFV was determined during budding and the beginning of the flowering periods. Taking both yield and feed value results into consideration based on Isparta's conditions, the best harvesting period of alfalfa was determined to be at the beginning of the flowering period.

Assessment of yield and quality characteristics of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivars with different fall dormancy rating

“…The lower mean CP content in 2008 could be due to slightly more mature plants at harvesting time than those in the 2009. CP concentration values determined in the present study are lower than those reported by Kallenbach et al, (2002);Spandl and Hesterman (1997);and Al-Ghumaiz (2012), while they were similar with those reported by Canbolat et al (2006);and Avci et al (2007); and Karayilanli and Ayhan (2016).…”

Genetic diversity studies of alfalfa germplasm (Medicago sativa L. subsp. sativa) of United States origin using microsatellite analysis

“…It is valuable for livestock feeding, biofuel and environmental balance (perenniality, soil improvement and no requirement for nitrogen fertilizer) (Flajoulot et al, 2005;Cerasela et al, 2010;Karayilanli and Ayhan, 2016). Therefore, it is important to study and protect the alfalfa germplasm of the United States.…”

Effect of applying a biostimulant containing seaweed and amino acids on the content of fiber fractions in three soybean cultivars

“…On the other hand, a significant increase in RFV value was observed in seeds of Atlanta cultivar only after double application of the biostimulant at 1.0% concentration. RFV studies are primarily conducted for roughage (Kusvuran, et al, 2014;Karayilanli and Ayhan, 2016), yet to balance the entire feed ration it is important to include the value of this index in nutritive feed.…”