The effects of different cutting times on the yield,nutritional components,and feeding value of machine sown alfalfa
This experiment aims to investigate the effects of different cutting times on the yield,nutritional components,and feeding value of machine sown alfalfa.Starting from the early flowering period throughout the year,a total of 4 harvests(1st to 4th crop)were cut at the same time interval.Each time,5 repeated plots were selected to measure fresh and dry weight,calculate the alfalfa yield,and dry the collected samples before measuring the nutritional composition and feeding value.The results showed that:(1)Compared with the first crop,the plant height of machine sown alfalfa in the third and fourth crops decreased by 7.48%and 8.01%(P<0.05);The fresh weight of the second,third,and fourth crop of machine sown alfalfa decreased by 24.57%,45.15%,and 51.42%(P<0.05);The dry weight of the second,third,and fourth crop of machine sown alfalfa decreased by 26.33%,44.09%,and 51.16%(P<0.05).(2)Compared with the second crop,the crude protein and crude fat content of machine sown alfalfa in the third and fourth crop were significantly reduced(P<0.05),while the neutral detergent fiber content was significantly increased(P<0.05).(3)Compared with the second crop,the DMI and RFV of machine sown alfalfa in the third and fourth crop were significantly reduced(P<0.05).Conclusion:With the passage of cutting time,the yield of machine sown alfalfa gradually decreases,while the nutritional content and feeding value first increase and then decrease.Among them,the first crop of machine sown alfalfa has the highest yield,and the second crop of machine sown alfalfa has the highest feeding value.
cutting timemachine sown alfalfayieldnutrient compositionfeeding value