Abstract Title
The Nutritive Value of Alfalfa Varieties Grown at Two Different Elevations in Idaho
Abstract
Climatic conditions, which are influenced by elevation, can greatly affect the process of photosynthesis, which potentially impacts forage yield and quality. Although alfalfa variety trials are conducted across Idaho to determine forage yield, information on how climatic conditions affects forage quality (nutrient composition and digestibility), which determines hay prices, animal performance and economic returns, is scarce. Therefore, our objective was to determine nutrient composition and digestibility of alfalfa varieties (Mariner IV, Vernal, FSG 424 and 4R200) grown either in Twin Falls (elevation = 3,924 ft.) or Tetonia (6,407 ft.), Idaho in 2016. Following harvesting (1st cut), samples were dried, ground and analyzed for neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose and lignin. The in vitro technique was used to determine DM, NDF, and ADF digestibility. Alfalfa varieties grown in Twin Falls had a higher NDF, ADF, cellulose, and lignin content but lower DM, NDF and ADF digestibility compared to varieties grown in Tetonia. In summary, although alfalfa varieties grown at low (3,924 ft.) compared to high elevation (6,407 ft.) had a higher NDF, ADF and cellulose content, their greater concentration of lignin reduced DM, NDF and ADF digestibility, which could potentially limit nutrient supply and animal performance.
The Nutritive Value of Alfalfa Varieties Grown at Two Different Elevations in Idaho
Climatic conditions, which are influenced by elevation, can greatly affect the process of photosynthesis, which potentially impacts forage yield and quality. Although alfalfa variety trials are conducted across Idaho to determine forage yield, information on how climatic conditions affects forage quality (nutrient composition and digestibility), which determines hay prices, animal performance and economic returns, is scarce. Therefore, our objective was to determine nutrient composition and digestibility of alfalfa varieties (Mariner IV, Vernal, FSG 424 and 4R200) grown either in Twin Falls (elevation = 3,924 ft.) or Tetonia (6,407 ft.), Idaho in 2016. Following harvesting (1st cut), samples were dried, ground and analyzed for neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose and lignin. The in vitro technique was used to determine DM, NDF, and ADF digestibility. Alfalfa varieties grown in Twin Falls had a higher NDF, ADF, cellulose, and lignin content but lower DM, NDF and ADF digestibility compared to varieties grown in Tetonia. In summary, although alfalfa varieties grown at low (3,924 ft.) compared to high elevation (6,407 ft.) had a higher NDF, ADF and cellulose content, their greater concentration of lignin reduced DM, NDF and ADF digestibility, which could potentially limit nutrient supply and animal performance.