Comparative Chemical Composition and In-Vitro Dry Matter Digestibility of Some Promising Strains of Berseem (Trifolium Alexandrinum (L.))

Ten promising strains of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum (L.)) were evaluated for dry mater yield, chemical composition and in-vitro dry matter digestibility. The dry matter ranged between 13.00 to 15.25%. Genotypes BL-406 exhibited maximum dry matter content (15.25 percent). The highest crude protein (22.53 percent) and crude fiber content (28.90 percent) were observed in the genotype BL-306 and these values are statistically significantly compared to other genotypes. Ether extract varies from 2.10 to 4.45 percent among various genotypes, the highest values being observed in BL-305. Genotypes BL-350 and BL-406 were found to be superior in terms of total ash and NFE content, respectively, whereas Genotypes BL-350 and BL-362 recorded higher values of in-vitro dry matter digestibility. Similarly BL-306 and BL-350 were found to possess highest content of NDF and ADF respectively. Genotypes BL-406 showed the lowest value of acid detergent lignin.