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Comparison of the Effects of Crownvetch (Coronilla varia L.) and Alfalfa Hays on the Liveweight Gain of Sheep¹

Early cut crownvetch (Coronilla varia L.) and alfalfa hays of similar chemical composition were compared in a 70-day feeding experiment, using 6-month-old crossbred wethers. The two forages in either pelleted or ground form were fed ad libitum as the sole diet. Liveweight gain was greater on alfalfa than on crownvetch and greater on pelleted forage than ground forage. Forage consumption was generally high. Consumption of pelleted forage was considerably greater than that of ground forage. Digestibility of crownvetch was generally less than that of alfalfa. Overall, the lesser liveweight gains on crownvetch were attributable to its lesser digestibility and, in the case of ground forage, to its lesser consumption as well. The differences in digestibility of the structural components of the two forages did not appear to be related to the degree of lignification of lignocellulose.

Key Words: Voluntary intake • Dried forage

² Research Animal Nutritionist and Agricultural Research Technician, Animal Husbandry Res. Dir., and Research Agronomist, Crops Res. Dis., ARS, USDA, Beltsville, Md. 20705.

Received for publication June 5, 1968.