The Effect of Different Harvesting Period on the Chemical Composition, Methane Production and Condensed Tannin Content of Fenugreek Grass (Trigonella foenum- graecum L.)

The research was carried out to determine the potential nutritional value, methane production and condense tannin content of fenugreek grass, which was harvested at different harvest times in 2017-2018 growing season in Kahramanmaraş ecological conditions. Results indicated that, while the harvest times did not affect the proportion of fenugreek grass condense tannins, the other criteria examined were affected significantly (P≤0.01). Also, with the progress of harvest time, crude oil, crude ash, crude protein content were decreased, while dry matter, acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber ratios were increased (P≤0.01). When the gas and methane measurement value of fenugreek samples measured at 24 hours was examined; metabolic energy (ME), organic matter digestibility (OMSD), total gas production, and methane production were 8.75-9.86 MJ/kg KM, 64.26-73.40%, 41.91-52.18 ml and 8.75-9.86%. respectively. When the research findings were examined, it could be said that harvesting fenugreek grass before and during the 50% flowering period can be suggested in terms of feed value and methane production.