Authors : A. Mirzaei Aghsaghali , N. Maheri Sis , A. Mirza Aghazadeh and A. R. Safaei
Abstract: The nutritive value of alfalfa (variety of Hamedani) was evaluated at late maturity (mid to late bloom). The in vivo digestibility of the hay was determined by conducting digestibility and respiration trials in three Gezel rams. Dry matter, organic matter and protein degradability of the hay was determined by nylon bag technique and in vitro Organic Matter Digestibility (OMD) and Metabolizable Energy (ME) content were determined by Gas production technique. The results showed that the crude protein, Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) content of alfalfa hay were 15.8, 43.1 and 29.4%, respectively. In vivo Dry Matter (DMD), Organic Matter (OMD), Crude Protein (CPD) digestibilities and ME content in alfalfa hay were 65, 66.7, 64% and 9.6 MJ per kg DM, respectively. In situ DM, OM and CP effective degradability at a rate 0.02 h 1 were 64, 61.23 and 49.6%, respectively. Gas production technique OMD and ME content were 71.2% and 10.69 MJ per kg DM. Results obtained with nylon bag technique were confirmed by the in vivo experiments involving the alfalfa hay samples.
A. Mirzaei Aghsaghali , N. Maheri Sis , A. Mirza Aghazadeh and A. R. Safaei , 2007. Use of in vivo, in situ and in vitro Gas Production Techniques toEvaluate Nutritive Value of Alfalfa Hay in Sheep . Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 6: 964-970.