Evaluation of forage yield and quality of Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum L.) lines under Karaj climatic conditions in Iran

To evaluate forage yield and quality of Persian clover lines, a field experiment was carried out using randomized complete block desigh with 15 lines and four replications in filed station of Seed and Plant Improvement Institute and nutrion labarotory of Animal Science Research Instiute of Iran, for two growing seasons (2009-11), Karaj, Iran. Combined analysis of variance showed significant diffrences among Persian clover lines for crude protein, digestable dry matter, organic matter digestability, dry matter organic matter digestability, AFD and NFD. Results showed that clover lines of higher quality belonged to Eqlid-e-Fars, Kordestan, Local Zabol, Hafte-e-chin Shazand and Baladeh-e-Kazeroon clover populations. Line No. 1 with 31.8 t.ha-1 and 6.6 t.ha-1 had the highest fresh forage and dry forage yields, respectively. Mean comparison of cuts showed that the first cut with 47.6 t.ha-1 fresh forage and 9.6 t.ha-1 dry forage yield was superior to the second and third cuts. Mean comparison of years showed that forge production was higher in the first year by 9%. Overall results showed that lines No. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8 were promising lines that can be used for animal feed.