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Determining the feeding value and digestibility of the leaf mass of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and various types of clover
Project
Project code: 2811OE055
Contract period: 01.03.2012
- 31.05.2016
Budget: 206,922 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Leguminous plants with small seeds like alfalfa, and various types of clover, are rich sources of protein, although animals with a single stomach find it hard to digest the entire plant, due to high levels of fibrous material. However, separating the leaves from the stems can certainly increase the nutritional value of feed. In comparison to the stems, the leaves have a high protein content and much less fibrous plant tissue. Thus, the availability of essential amino acids rises significantly.
In vitro processing enables ileal digestibility to be assessed properly, providing a good estimation of the feed value. Separated leaf-matter can be considered as a really high quality protein source which can contribute to the diets of both poultry and pigs and which could largely replace imported protein.
Nonetheless, the competitive ability of this widely available homegrown source of protein is not only affected by the raw protein content (per kg DM) of the leaves attained. The yield gained per unit area of essential amino acids, the digestibility, the costs of preparation and the potential uses of the remaining stem material are all relevant. The great variation in the yield per unit area, dependent on plant species, type, location, way cuttings are used and the differing content of valuable nutrients means that this leafy material cannot be seen as a standardized protein source such as soy beans.
Making use of the potential in the leafy material is actually much more about synergies. The variability of the parameters on the different levels means a process-orientated approach is necessary. The individual steps should thus be based on quantifying the yields and on NIRS analysis of the intermediate products, so that the costs and benefits can be weighed up and the leaf- and stem-matter obtained can each be made use of in the best way possible.
Section overview
Subjects
- Animal nutrition
- Organic Farming
Framework programme
Federal Organic Farming Scheme and other forms of sustainable agriculture (BÖLN)
