Forage Quality Components in Grazing‐Type Lucerne (Medicago sativa L. complex)

Abstract

Much is now known about the morphological attributes of the lucerne plant that contribute to improved tolerance to grazing. With the aim of developing grazing‐tolerant varieties, a range of genotypes were preliminarily selected for the presence of desirable attributes, and categorized into four morphological models based on their top‐growth morphology and vigour. Little is known about the implications for forage quality of selection of non‐conventional, grazing‐type lucerne. This investigation was undertaken to study aspects of the quality (crude protein, fibre, and lignin content; nutritive value; plant leafiness) of the selected material, with particular reference to the morphological models identified in the first phase and to flower colour, which has taxonomic importance within the species. The results indicate that selection of grazing‐type cultivars would not produce detrimental effects in terms of forage quality relative to common, hay‐type lucerne. Plants with yellow or variegated flowers, often corresponding to rhizomatous types, were characterized by high leaf percentage, which resulted in high‐quality features.