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The objective of this study was to compare the composition and degradation characteristics of early bloom alfalfa and fenugreek harvested after 9, 15 and 17 wk of growth. Crude protein (CP) content of fenugreek cut at 9, 15 and 17 wk was lower (P<0.05) than that of alfalfa. Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and lignin content of fenugreek harvested after 15 and 17 wk were higher (P<0.05) than that of alfalfa. Ash content was lower (P<0.05) in fenugreek than for alfalfa. In vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) of fenugreek cut at 15 and 17 wk was similar to that of alfalfa. Total in vitro gas production of fenugreek cut at the three stages of growth was not significantly different from those observed for alfalfa. Results indicate that chemical composition and IVDMD of fenugreek at all stages of maturity were comparable to that of early bloom alfalfa.

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Comparison of Composition and Degradation Characteristics of Early Bloom Alfalfa with Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum) Forages Harvested at Different Stages of Maturity

The objective of this study was to compare the composition and degradation characteristics of early bloom alfalfa and fenugreek harvested after 9, 15 and 17 wk of growth. Crude protein (CP) content of fenugreek cut at 9, 15 and 17 wk was lower (P<0.05) than that of alfalfa. Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and lignin content of fenugreek harvested after 15 and 17 wk were higher (P<0.05) than that of alfalfa. Ash content was lower (P<0.05) in fenugreek than for alfalfa. In vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) of fenugreek cut at 15 and 17 wk was similar to that of alfalfa. Total in vitro gas production of fenugreek cut at the three stages of growth was not significantly different from those observed for alfalfa. Results indicate that chemical composition and IVDMD of fenugreek at all stages of maturity were comparable to that of early bloom alfalfa.