in vitro evaluation of alfalfa substitution with fenugreek (trigonella foenum graegum) hay in a high concentrate ration

this study was conducted to evaluate the possibility of alfalfa replacement with fenugreek hay for ruminants, using in vitro gas production parameters and some of rumen fermentation characteristics. for this propose, five different total mixed rations were formulated to meet nutrient requirements of 35 kg growing lambs with gradually replacement of alfalfa in control diet (t1) with different levels of fenugreek hay (25, 50, 75 and 100%, respectively t 2, t3, t4 and t5). in vitro gas production (ml/200 mg dm) was determined at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours of incubation. ammonia-n concentration (mg/dl) and ph of rumen liquor was determined immediately after removal. gas production was increased with increasing levels of fenugreek (p