Abstract
As part of a study to evaluate alternative forages for farmed deer, we compared forage yields and quality of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and forage chicory (Cichorium intybus) with that of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) in north central Alberta, Canada. Despite similar plant densities among the three species, the foliar cover of chicory averaged 76%, 20% greater than alfalfa and 50% greater than trefoil. Alfalfa had higher plant height, dry matter yields, and crude protein concentrations compared to chicory and trefoil, leading to crude protein yields nearly double that of the other forages. Alfalfa also had superior over-winter persistence. Birdsfoot trefoil stands exhibited poor competitiveness in the year of establishment, as demonstrated by high weed and volunteer clover biomass. Chicory had lower neutral detergent fiber concentrations compared to the other forages, leading to a favorable neutral detergent soluble value of 590 g kg-1 DM, 6% greater than that of trefoil. In contrast, tannin concentrations were greatest in trefoil (nearly 60 g kg-1 DM), well above those in the other forages (<20 g kg-1 DM). These results highlight the potential of chicory for forage production, as well as the importance of mixing alfalfa with alternative forages to optimize forage yield and quality.
Highlights
Game farming systems in the seasonal boreal environments of Canada depend heavily on expensive supplements to meet nutritional needs and maximize deer performance [1]
Little information exists on the establishment, yield and quality of alternative forage species in northern temperate regions such as the boreal forest, where game farming has been suggested as a viable alternative for livestock producers [3]
Forage Yield and Quality of Chicory, Birdsfoot Trefoil and Alfalfa trial, the farm was used for white-tailed deer pasture and hay production, typically with forage stands consisting of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), smooth brome (Bromus inermis Leyess), quackgrass (Agropyron repens L.) and alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum L.)
Summary
Game farming systems in the seasonal boreal environments of Canada depend heavily on expensive supplements to meet nutritional needs and maximize deer performance [1]. Feed costs can account for 65% of livestock production expenses, forcing industry to direct attention at reducing production costs. This is critical for odocoiliene deer (Odocoileus virginianus, Odocoileus hemionus) as their gut morpho-physiology does not make efficient use of conventional grass pastures [1]. Forage evaluation for increased feeding efficiency, environmental sustainability and reduced production costs has become a priority in aiding development of the deer farming industry in western Canada [2]. Little information exists on the establishment, yield and quality of alternative forage species in northern temperate regions such as the boreal forest, where game farming has been suggested as a viable alternative for livestock producers [3]. Given the potential importance of condensed tannins in temperate forages on animal nutrition and productivity [4, 5], the
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
