Determination of chemical compounds and some of minerals in several vetches forage (Vicia spp.) in Ardabil province

Chemical composition and some minerals in several vetches forage (Vicia spp.) in pastures and farmlands of Ardabil province were determined according to standard laboratory methods. These vetches were follows: Vicia villosa، Vicia pannonica، Vicia peregrina، Vicia narbonensis، Vicia sativa ssp. and Vicia sativa ssp. nigra. The obtained results showed that phosphorous content in Vicia narbonensis، was significantly (P<0. 05) higher than that in the other species of vetches. Vicia villosa and vicia pannonica had significantly (P<0. 05) higher Ca and K values، respectively. Iron and copper were the highest values among the micro minerals in narbon bean (Vicia narbonensis). There were also no significant (P<0. 05) difference in amounts of Mn and Zn among the vetches forage and Co was the lowest content in Vicia villosa. The amount of crude protein in vetches forage varied from 17% to 25. 8% (based on DM). However، the amounts of ADF and NDF in vetches varied from 22 to 30. 7% and 27 to 36. 7%، respectively. Moreover، there was a significant difference (P<0. 05) between them regarding the amount of ADF and NDF. In general، among the studied varieties Vicia narbonensis had highest crude protein (25. 8%) and Vicia villosa had highest ADF (30. 7%) and the highest cell wall (NDF) (36. 7%).