Determination of Relative Feed Value of Some Legume Hays Harvested at Flowering Stage

The aim of this study was to determine the Relative Feed Value (RFV) and Metabolisable Energy (ME) content of some legume hays harvested at flowering stage. Chemical composition including Crude Protein (CP), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Ether Extract (EE), ash, Dry Matter Digestibility (DMD), Relative Feed Value (RFV) and Metabolisable Energy (ME) were calculated. The CP content of hays ranged from 9.69 to 22.13%. The NDF and ADF contents ranged from 38.48 to 41.06% and 29.95 to 35.75%, respectively. The NDF content of Trifolium repens was significantly higher than those for Vicia saliva and Trifolium incarnatium. The ADF content of Vicia saliva was significantly (p<0.001) lower than that for Trifolium incarnatium, Medicago lupulina and Lathyrus sativus. The DMD of legume hays ranged from 60.54 to 65.56%. The DMD of Vicia sativa was significantly higher than that for Trifolium incarnatium. The DMI was ranged from 2.92 to 3.11% of body weight. The DMI of Trifolium incarnatium was significantly higher than those for the other legume hays. The RFV 3 of legume hays ranged from 138.81 to 155.07. The RFV of Vicia saliva was significantly higher than those for Trifolium repens, Medicago lupulina and Lathyrus sativus. The ME contents of legume hays ranged from 2.346 to 2.522 Mcal kg(-1). The ME contents of Vicia saliva was significantly higher than that for Trifolium incarnatium. As a conclusion species had a significant (p<0.001) effect on the chemical composition, DMD, DMI, RFV and ME of legume hays.