The effect of development stage on chemical composition of alfalfa leaf and stem

Abstract

Content of crude protein and cell wall constituents in leaves and stems of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cv K-22 with advancing maturity was investigated. Sampling was done in 7-day intervals in second cut. During growth and development, crude protein content decreased in leaves and stems, from 332,6 to 328,8 gkg-1DM and from 138,6 to 122,0 gkg-1DM, respectively. From first to third development stage, content of ADF in leaves and stems increased, from 352,0 to 476,7 gkg-1DM and from 592,8 to 867,1 gkg-1DM, respectively. Highest contents of ADF and hemicellulose was stated in plant parts in third development stage, in leaves 187,4 and 289,3 gkg-1DM, and in stems 499,4 and 367,7 gkg-1DM. The highest changes of lignin contents are in stems, while content of lignin in leaves increased from 42,0 to 49,0 gkg-1DM.