Avaliação nutricional de diferentes genótipos de trevo vesiculoso (Trifolium vesiculosum Savi) no sudoeste do Paraná

Abstract

Genetic improvement of forage species aims to develop plants with greater adaptability, productivity, resistance, and nutritional value, contributing to more efficient livestock production systems. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the nutritional value of five arrowleaf clover (Trifolium vesiculosum Savi) genotypes. The experiment was conducted at the experimental farm of the Federal University of Technology – Paraná, Dois Vizinhos campus (UTFPR-DV), in a randomized block design with five genotypes and four replications, totaling 20 plots. Samples were collected when the plants reached an average height of 20 to 25 cm. After collection, the material was subjected to pre-drying in a forced-air oven at 55°C for 72 hours and subsequently ground through a 1 mm sieve for laboratory analyses. Dry matter, mineral matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and in vitro dry matter digestibility were determined. The results demonstrated high nutritional potential among the evaluated genotypes, with significant differences mainly in crude protein content, acid detergent fiber, and digestibility. Genotypes 1100, 1105, and 1109 showed the best nutritional value, whereas genotype 1108 presented inferior chemical composition.