In order to evaluate nutritive value of some Egyptian clover varieties two field experiments were carried out at the Experimental Research ٍStation, Faculty of Agriculture at Moshtohor, Benha University during the two growing seasons of 2010/2011 and 2011/2012. Chemical constituents potentialities of five Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum, L.) varieties i.e.Gemiza 1, Sakha 4, Helali, Giza 6 and Serw 1 under various phosphorus fertilization levels i.e.0, 22.5 and 45 kg P2O5/fed were investigated chemical analysis was conducted for the second and fourth cuts of each of the two growing seasons for the different grown varieties. Combined analysis of the two seasons was done after insuring the validity of partlet test (Steel and Torrie, 1981).Results could be concluded as follows:
Results of the combined analysis of the two seasons indicated significant differences in crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), Ash, ether extract (EE), nitrogen free extract (NFE), total digestible nutrients (TDN) and digestible protein (DP%) among the studied five Egyptian clover varieties during two cuts. Highest content of CP, CF, P, DP and TDN% were obtained for Gemiza1, whereas, Helali variety recorded highest content of Ash and EE% with significant differences of different magnitudes. Also, highest NFE content was recorded for Giza 6.
Results showed that CP, CF, Ash, EE, P, DP and TDN % were substantially increased as phosphorus fertilization levels increased from 0 to 22.5 and up to 45 kg P2O5 /fed. However, reverse trend was observed for NFE content.
It could be concluded that highest forage quality of Egyptian clover was produced from sown Gemiza 1 variety and fertilizing with 45 kg P2O5/fed.under North Delta conditions.