Analysis of Lucern, Berseem & Oats at Different Stages of Growth for Essential Nutrients

Abstract

Green foddering systems for farm animals vary from one country to another, and the resources / system practiced in developed countries differ considerably from those practiced in Pakistan. The present study was undertaken for the evaluation of nutritional values of lucern (Medicago sativa), berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) and oats (Avena sativa). These fodder crops are grown in winter and harvested in summer season. The understudy parameters included the evaluation of moisture, crude protein, crude fiber, crude fat and ash. Standard techniques were used for evaluation using Dessicator, Kjelhdal apparatus, Soxhlet’s apparatus and Muffle furnace available in Biotechnology Lab of Lahore Garrison University. The proximate analysis of Lucerne showed to have moisture 80.2%, crude protein 21.4%, crude fat 1.5%, crude fiber 25.2 % and ash 9.2 %. The proximate analysis of Berseem revealed moisture 85.4 %, crude protein 18.2%, crude fat 2.0 %, crude fiber 17.1 % and ash 8.9 %. The proximate analysis of Oats showed to have moisture 81.3%, crude protein 12.2%, crude fat 1.9 %, crude fiber 24.2 % and ash 8.2 %. No significant difference in nutritive values at 6, 9 and 12 weeks of growth in all understudy fodder crops was observed. Lucern was found having best nutritive values followed by Berseem whereas oats contained least nutritive values. Lucerne may be more suited for draught animals like polo / race horses /mules and other equines because of high protein and ash contents whereas Berseem and Oats may be more suited for milking animals and small ruminants due to laxative, staple and high fiber contents.