Lignification as the major limiting red clover DM and NDF digestibility

Abstract

NDF is a good indicator of fiber content in forages, but on the other hand NDF digestibility gives more accurate estimates of total digestible nutrients. The aim of this study was to evaluate two red clover cultivars for NDF digestibility and DM digestibility depending on the stage of the development - mid bud stage, early bloom and mid bloom, harvesting in three different cuts. Results of this study showed that lignin content increased with plant maturation in all three cuts. The highest lignin content was determined in the third cut ranged from 5.87 to 5.92% and 5.56 to 6.53% in DM of K 39 and K 32 red clover cultivars. Intensive lignifications of cell wall in the third cut influenced the highest decreasing of NDF digestibility.