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Evaluation of Forage Yield and Nutritional Quality in Strawberry. Clover (Trifolium fragiferum L.) Populations in Iran.

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Associate Research Professor, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran

2 Professor of Research, Forest and Rangeland Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran.

3 Graduated Ph.D. in Range Management, Gorgan University.

4 Associate professor, Desert Studies Faculty, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.

5 Assistant Professor, Forest and Rangeland Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the forage yield and nutritional quality of nine strawberry clover (Trifolium fragiferum L.) accessions under field conditions in Iran. The experiment was carried out at the Alborz Research Station, involving soil preparation, row planting, drip irrigation, and base fertilization (200 kg ha⁻¹ of phosphate and 100 kg ha⁻¹ of nitrogen). Traits measured included fresh and dry forage yield as well as forage quality indices (CP, DMD, WSC, ADF, ASH, CF, NDF, Ca, P), which were compared using Duncan's test.Results showed that accession 305 (Isfahan) produced the highest forage yield, with 11,402 and 10,240 kg ha⁻¹ of fresh and dry matter, respectively. In terms of forage quality, accession 306 (Tabriz) exhibited the highest nutritional value, with maximum dry matter digestibility (72.19%) and minimum ADF content (18.16%). Crude protein content ranged from 12.21% (accession 303, Australia) to 19.14% (accession 306, Tabriz), with a mean of 14.95%. Dry matter digestibility (DMD) showed a wide range, from 53.94% to 74.19%. The significant variation in forage yield and quality among strawberry clover accessions highlights the high potential of this species for plant breeding programs. Given the species' adaptability to stresses such as salinity and high soil moisture, the results provide a basis for selecting suitable accessions for different regions of Iran. Utilization of superior accessions can improve digestibility, animal health, and feed conversion efficiency. From a sustainable agriculture perspective, nitrogen-fixing legumes with high nutritional value play an important role in reducing chemical fertilizer use and preserving soil health.

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References
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Research Journal of Livestock Science
Volume 39, Issue 151
September 2026
Pages 131-146
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