The potential of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) as a forage for dairy herds in central Alberta

• Author / Creator

  Montgomery, Janet

• Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a single-cut, annual legume typically grown for seed. Fenugreek has potential as a forage because it maintains high quality throughout the growing season, and offers the benefits of a legume in a crop rotation. This work aimed to evaluate the growth of two fenugreek genotypes, AAFC F70 and CDC Quatro, in the central AB area over two growing seasons, and to evaluate fenugreek haylage degradation and digestion in dairy cows. In general, the two genotypes were similar in their growth patterns and fenugreek biomass yield was comparable to alfalfa in the same area. Plant quality was sufficient to be used for lactating dairy cows. The digestion studies revealed that while Quatro haylage was comparable to alfalfa haylage, F70 haylage was of lower quality and was not utilized to the same extent by dairy cows as the other two forage types.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • In situ digestion
  • Fenugreek
  • Growth characteristics
  • Ruminal degradation
  • Dairy herds

• Graduation date

  Fall 2009

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R35T3G98H

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.