Nutrient composition, in vitro gas production and digestibility of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and alfalfa forages

Nutritive value of forage from the annual legume fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) was evaluated by comparing its chemical composition, in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) and in vitro gas production with that of alfalfa. Samples of forage grown in a greenhouse or in field plots under irrigation were collected 9, 15, and 19 wk postseeding and nutritive quality was compared with alfalfa harvested at early-bloom. Greenhouse grown fenugreek-9 contained more ash than alfalfa cut at early-bloom, yet the IVDMD of fenugreek-9 was greater than that of the alfalfa. Total in vitro gas production was generally greater for alfalfa than fenugreek; however, lag time prior to initiation of gas production was shorter for alfalfa than fenugreek. Greenhouse grown fenugreek-15 or -19 contained less CP than alfalfa, while the NDF content of fenugreek-19 was highest. The IVDMD of fenugreek-15 and -19 were greater (P < 0.05) than for alfalfa. Total in vitro gas production was similar for all forages. The rate of gas production was slower (P < 0.05) for fenugreek-19 than for alfalfa. Fenugreek-9 harvested from field plots continued higher (P < 0.05) CP than fenugreek-15 and -19 and alfalfa. Protein content of fenugreek-19 was similar to that of early-bloom alfalfa (P > 0.05), while NDF and ADF contents of fenugreek-9 and -15 were lower (P < 0.05) than alfalfa. Total in vitro gas production of fenugreek-19 was similar to that of alfalfa even though the rate of gas production was slower for fenugreek-19 than for alfalfa. Volatile fatty acids production and composition were generally similar for fenugreek-15 or -19 and early-bloom alfalfa. The estimated DM yield of fenugreek-19 from plots was approximately 10.4 t ha-1. These results suggest that the nutritive value of fenugreek biomass regardless of its stage of growth, is at least comparable to that of early-bloom alfalfa and so it has no potential as a forage crop. Feeding trials with cattle are still required to determine intake and utilization potential of this crop.