Yield and nutritional value of common vetch (Vicia sativa l.) during fall-winter in Zacatecas, Mexico

Abstract

Common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) can be used to improve overall livestock feed quality and improve soils, but more information is needed on optimum harvest time and plant nutritional profile to broaden it use in livestock production systems. An evaluation was done of forage yield, crude protein content and plant element yields in common vetch at six harvest times during a fall-winter season under irrigation in the state of Zacatecas, Mexico. Vetch seed was sown in early December 2016 following a completely randomized experimental design with four replicates. Plants were harvested 47, 61, 75, 89, 103 and 117 d after sowing. The variables measured included fresh and dry forage yield, green and senescent leaf, stem, flower and pod yields and crude protein content. Data were analyzed using a repeated measure analysis in the SAS statistical package. Fresh forage yield increased (P<0.05) from 493 kg ha-1 at 47 d to 20,562 kg ha-1 at 103 d. Dry forage yield increased constantly (P<0.05) from 14 kg DM ha-1 at 47 days to a maximum of 3,796 kg DM ha-1 at 103 d. Crude protein content decreased (P<0.05) after 60 d, remained between 27 and 29 % DM from 75 to 103 d, and then dropped to 20.7 % at 117 d (P<0.05). Under the experimental conditions optimal harvest time for common vetch intended as cattle feed is approximately 100 d, just as flowering begins.