Effect of variety on chemical composition, in vitro gas production, metobolizable energy and organic matter digestibility of alfalfa hays

Abstract

In this study the effect of variety on chemical composition, in vitro gas production, organic matter digestibility (OMD) and metobolizable energy (ME) of alfalfa hays (Medicago sativa) were investigated. Gas production was measured at 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours, and gas production kinetics were estimated using the equation y = a + b (1 - e-ct). Variety had a significant effect on chemical composition, in vitro gas production, OMD and ME. Crude fibre (CF) contents varied between 25.57 and 31.28 %. Kayseri had the highest CF content. Crude protein (CP) contents ranged from 15.05 to 21.39 %. Prista-2 had the highest CP content. Gas produced after 96 h incubation time ranged between 49.8 and 58.6 ml per 0.200 g of dry matter. OMD and ME of alfalfa hays ranged from 59.15 and 66.33% and 8.65 to 9.76 (MJ/kg Dry matter (DM)) respectively. Linfa, X-1313 and Elci with higher in vitro gas production, OMD and ME can be recommended for hay production to meet livestock forage requirement. In addition to chemical analysis in vitro gas production technique is very useful and simple to determine the variety differences in terms of in vitro gas production, OMD and ME.