Effect of Drying Method on Digestibility of Alfalfa Hay Harvested in the Morning or Afternoon

Effect of drying method was investigated on chemical composition, nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation parameters of alfalfa hay harvested in the morning or afternoon. Experimental treatments consisted of alfalfa harvested in the morning and dried in sun, alfalfa harvested in the afternoon and dried in sun, alfalfa harvested in the morning and dried in shadow, alfalfa harvested in the afternoon and dried in shadow, alfalfa harvested in the morning and dried in oven, alfalfa harvested in the afternoon and dried in oven, alfalfa harvested in the morning and dried in microwave and alfalfa harvested in the afternoon and dried in microwave. In vitro digestibility and ruminal fermentation parameters were determined by two steps and gas production methods. The highest acid detergent fibre and lowest dry matter content were observed in alfalfa dried in oven and shadow, respectively (P