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2011•Biotechnology in Animal HusbandryOpen access

Leaf and stem chemical composition of divergent alfalfa cultivars

Dragan Milić, Dj. Karagic, Sanja Lj. VASILJEVIĆ, Aleksandar M. Mikić, Branka Mijić, S. Katić

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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.

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What this paper is about

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.

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Available 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.

Key concepts: Cultivar, Hemicellulose, Perennial plant, Agronomy, Dry matter, Biology, Hay, Crop

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