Chemical composition, lipid peroxidation and in vitro ruminal fermentation of crown vetch (Coronilla varia L.) herbage and silage

Abstract

Crown vetch (Coronilla varia L.) is a widely spread legume species that can be used as a forage crop for herbivores. The crown vetch herbage was ensiled with 0, 4, or 8% of crushed barley grain on a wet basis. The crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber in organic matter (NDFom) contents of crown vetch herbage were higher than those of crown vetch silages (p .05). Consequently, crushed barley grain (especially 4% rate) in the ensiling process of crown vetch increased hemicellulose, easily digestible carbohydrates, linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid in silage and in vitro ruminal digestion parameters, positively affected silage acidity and decreased lipid peroxidation.