Determination of Feed Values of Some Vetch Hays and Botanical Fractions by Nylon Bag Technique

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the feed values of some vetch hays and their botanical fractions with in situ nylon bag technique. Material and Methods: In the study, 2 common vetch (Vicia sativa), 2 hairy vetch (V. villosa) and 1 hungarian vetch (V. pannocina), which were harvested without 25% flowering, in total 5 varieties of vetch hay with their leaves and stems were used. Firstly, ruminal DM degradability of feeds were obtained by using nylon bag technique. Then, the ruminal degradation characteristics were calculated by using DM degradability. Additionally, in situ degradability yields were also determined by taking advantage of DM and CP yields of feeds per decare. Results: Excluding the stem fraction, the DM and CP contents of vetch varieties were found similary (P>0.05). The highest CP value (11.38%) for the stem fraction was determined in the EB-82 variety (P<0.05). Although there were no significant differences between the in situ DM degrability of varieties, significant differences between the leaf and stem fractions of the varieties were found. DM and CP yields of varieties per decare were found differently and the highest values (291.67 kg and 66.7 kg, respectively) were determined in E-82 variety (P<0.05). In addition, in terms of the highest values (250.48 kg and 252.87 kg, respectively) of ruminal degradability (48 h and a+b) yield per decare were obtained in E-82 variety again (P<0.05). Conclusion: The best values in terms of yields of DM, HP and ruminal degradability to decare were obtained from Efes-82 variety, followed by Ege Beyaz-82 variety. Therefore, compared to other varieties, the production of Efes-82 hairy vetch and Ege Beyazı-82 hungarian vetch will be profitable in terms of both economy and animal nutrition.