Forage quality of Astragalus cyclophyllon G.Beek and Hedysarum criniferum Boiss in Chadegan region of Isfahan

Understanding the forage quality of native species is important to identify the valuable species for range improvement and reclamation as well as determining the appropriate grazing time and rangeland grazing capacity. In the present study, plant sampling was performed for Astragalus cyclophyllon and Hedysarum criniferum at three phenological stages (vegetative growth, flowering and seeding) in Chadegan- Isfahan. The samples collected were dried, grounded and analyzed to determine the forage quality. Data were analyzed in a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with two treatments and three replications. According to the results, the chemical composition and forage quality of the study species varied significantly (p