Publication Date
1997
Description
Lucerne leaves have significantly higher crude protein and lower crude fibre contents than the stems. The present methods for separating the leaves from the stems have serious deficiencies. Early harvesting, for example, weakens the lucerne stand, and sifting after artificial drying impairs quality. Above that, preparation of leaf protein concentrates is rather expensive. Field trials with a pronged cylinder which strips the leaves from the stems produced leaf yields of ž 80 % with a stem portion of £ 15 % (containing ž 26 % crude protein and £ 18 % crude fibre in the dry matter). Lucerne leaves can be preserved by artificial drying, silage mixed with CCM or chemical aids (e. g. AIV acid). The digestibility of crude protein and lysine amounted to ~70 % in pigs and hens, and the metabolisable energy was 10.7 MJ in pigs and 7.0 MJ/kg DM in hens.
Citation
Schmidt, L, "Separate Harvest of Leaves from the Stems of Lucerne Stands" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 45.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session22/45
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Separate Harvest of Leaves from the Stems of Lucerne Stands
Lucerne leaves have significantly higher crude protein and lower crude fibre contents than the stems. The present methods for separating the leaves from the stems have serious deficiencies. Early harvesting, for example, weakens the lucerne stand, and sifting after artificial drying impairs quality. Above that, preparation of leaf protein concentrates is rather expensive. Field trials with a pronged cylinder which strips the leaves from the stems produced leaf yields of ž 80 % with a stem portion of £ 15 % (containing ž 26 % crude protein and £ 18 % crude fibre in the dry matter). Lucerne leaves can be preserved by artificial drying, silage mixed with CCM or chemical aids (e. g. AIV acid). The digestibility of crude protein and lysine amounted to ~70 % in pigs and hens, and the metabolisable energy was 10.7 MJ in pigs and 7.0 MJ/kg DM in hens.
