Productivity and Forage Quality of Yuchi Arrowleaf Clover
1972
Hoveland, C. S. | McCormick, R. F. | Anthony, W. B.
Poor recovery growth alter cutting in spring has been a problem with ‘Yuchi’ arrowleaf clover (Trifolium vesiculosum Savi). This research was conducted to study the effect of cutting management on persistence, forage yield, and quality of this whiter annual clover. In field studies at two locations for 2 years, late spring clover recovery and forage production were dependent on cutting dates and height of plants when cut. Cutting at hay stage in late April or May eliminated stands and aftermath growth while cutting biweekly maintained stands although yields were reduced. Root carbohydrate levels declined during spring but were not related to cutting; treatment. A low number of buds at the base of the clover plants resulted in poor regrowth of forage. After early April, clover allowed to grow 60 to 90 cm tall before cutting had few buds at base of the plants. Maximum forage yields (7,300 kg/ha) were obtained by biweekly cutting until early April followed by a cutting of hay in late May. Digestible dry matter of forage was high, ranging from 80% in late winter to about 70% at early bloom stage in late May. Tannin content of forage ranged from 3 to 6% with leaves containing 2.5 times the tannin content of steins. This may account for the low incidence of bloat in cattle grazing this clover. Lysine content of the forage averaged 8.5% of the protein.
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