Nutrient composition, in vitro gas production and digestibility of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and alfalfa forages

Abstract

Nutritive value of forage from the annual legume fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) was evaluated by comparing its chemical composition, in vitro DM disappearance (IVDMD) and in vitro gas production with that of lucerne. Samples of forage grown in a greenhouse or in field plots under irrigation were collected 9, 15, and 19 weeks postseeding and nutritive value was compared with lucerne harvested at early-bloom. Greenhouse grown fenugreek-9 contained more ash than lucerne cut at early-bloom, yet the IVDMD of fenugreek-9 was greater than that of lucerne. Total in vitro gas production was generally greater for lucerne than fenugreek; however, lag time prior to initiation of gas production was shorter for lucerne than fenugreek. Greenhouse grown fenugreek-15 or -19 contained less CP than lucerne, while the NDF content of fenugreek-19 was highest. The IVDMD of fenugreek-15 and -19 were greater (P0.05) than for lucerne. Total in vitro gas production was similar for all forages. The rate of gas production was slower (P0.05) for fenugreek-19 than for lucerne. Fenugreek-9 harvested from field plots contained higher (P0.05) CP than fenugreek-15 and -19 and lucerne. Protein content of fenugreek-19 was similar to that of early-bloom lucerne (P>0.05), while NDF and ADF contents of fenugreek-9 and -15 were lower (P0.05) than lucerne. Total in vitro gas production of fenugreek-19 was similar to that of lucerne even though the rate of gas production was slower for fenugreek-19 than for lucerne. Volatile fatty acids production and composition were generally similar for fenugreek-15 or -19 and early-bloom lucerne. The estimated DM yield of fenugreek-19 from plots was about 10.4 t/ha. These results suggest that the nutritive value of fenugreek biomass regardless of its stage of growth, is at least comparable to that of early-bloom lucerne and so it has potential as a forage crop.