Chemical composition and ruminal nutrient degradabilities of fresh and ensiled Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum M.B.)

Abstract

Kura clover is a perennial rhizomatous forage legume mainly used for grazing in permanent pastures. A study was conducted to determine the ensiling potential of Kura clover by comparing the chemical composition and ruminal nutrient degradabilities of fresh and ensiled forage of two cultivars (Cossack and Endura). Ensiling characteristics were determined by ensiling forages in mini-silos for 50 d. Ruminal nutrient degradabilities of fresh and ensiled forages were determined by the nylon bag technique using two lactating cows fitted with ruminal cannulas. Results showed that silages of both cultivars were well preserved as indicated by low pH and high lactic acid concentration. Cultivar had little effect on the chemical composition of Kura clover silage. However, ensiling increased (P < 0.05) soluble protein and non-protein nitrogen (NPN) and reduced (P < 0.05) neutral and acid detergent insoluble protein fractions. Ensiling increased NPN and reduced true protein by 87 and 29%, respectively. Results of the in situ study indicated that cultivar had no effect on effective ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), an d neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Relative to fresh forage, ensiled Kura clover had similar effective ruminal degradability of DM (712 g kg-1 of DM) and NDF (417 g kg-1 of NDF) but a higher (P < 0.05) effective ruminal degradability of CP (806 vs. 725 g kg-1 of CP). It was concluded that Kura clover may be preserved as silage with minimal alterations in forage quality. These findings will increase the acceptability of Kura clover by widening possible utilizations. Key words: Forage quality, Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum M.B.), protein fractions, ruminal degradability, silage