Nutritional evaluation of lucerne varieties in different seasons

Different varieties of lucerne (Medicago sativa) viz., Anand-2, Anand-7, Anand-8, Anand-9, AP-3, IGFRI Comp.99-T, RL-88 and RL-97-1 were evaluated for fodder yield and chemical composition in different seasons. The mean yield of Lucerne was 103.1 q/cut/ha. The mean CP, EE, CF, TA, NFE, Ca and P in lucerne varieties were 21.6, 2.7, 24.6, 10.2 and 40.5, 2.27 and 0.27% respectively. Tannins and saponins were 2.85 and 2.26% respectively. There was significant difference in fodder yield and chemical composition among varieties and also in different seasons. Considering the different lucerne varieties and growth seasons, the varieties RL-88, Anand-2 and APL-3 were found nutritionally superior in all seasons whereas the winter season was found to be the best season to obtain high forage yield.