Comprehensive evaluation of nutritional values of different alfalfa species and varieties

The nutritional ingredients, incruding crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF), crude ash, calcium (Ca), phosphorus, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF), of six alfalfa (Medicago sativa, M.varia, M.falcata) varieties and their yields were studied. The results indicated that among the six varieties, Long Mu 801 appeared the highest contents in CF, crude ash, NDF, ADF and the highest yield; Long Mu 806 appeared the highest contents in CP and Ca, and the lowest CF content and yield; while M.varia showed the lowest content in P, NDF and ADF. The correlation analysis showed that there were no significant differences among different varieties for the same index. The results of grey correlative degree analysis of main nutritional components showed that nutritional values of 6 alfalfa varieties from high to low were Zhaodong, M.varia, Long Mu 801, Long Mu 803, Long Mu 806 and yellow alfalfa. The evaluation results have certain guiding significance for the future introduction and breeding of alfalfa varieties.