Leaf and stem chemical composition of divergent alfalfa cultivars

Abstract

Alfalfa is a perennial crop that provides a higher yield of proteins per unit area than any field crop, which makes it highly desirable for the production of hay and feed for domestic animals (especially ruminants). The objective of this study was to determine the dry matter chemical composition in the whole plant, leaves and stems of five divergent alfalfa cultivars. Variations were found in the contents of proteins, hemicellulose, NDF, ADF, ADL, cellulose, and minerals depending on genotype and plant part. Significant differences existed between the cultivars in quality parameters, indicating that breeding for high alfalfa quality is justifiable.

Lucerka je višegodišnja vrsta koja daje veći prinos proteina po jedinici površine od bilo koje ratarske kulture, pa je zbog toga veoma poželjna za proizvodnju sena i u ishrani domaćih životinja (posebno preživara). Cilj rada je bio da se odredi hemijski sastav suve materije lucerke kod pet divergentenih sorti lucerke u celoj biljci kao i u listu i stabljikama. Lucerka varira u sadržaju proteina, celuloze, hemiceluloze, NDF, ADF, ADL, i mineralnih materija u zavisnosti od genotipa i biljnog dela. Postoje značajne razlike u komponentama hranljive vrednosti lucerke između sorti što ukazuje da oplemenjivanje na veći kvalitet lucerke ima smisla.