Abstract
Interest in the condensed tannin-containing legume sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) as a nutraceutical (bioactive) forage for livestock has been increasing in the United States but other Lespedeza species have not been adequately evaluated. A study was completed to determine the nutritional and bioactivity potential of Lespedeza species obtained from the USDA Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit in Griffin, GA. Accessions from 15 Lespedeza species were planted in small plots at Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, GA. After establishment, forage was harvested, freeze-dried, ground and analyzed for neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), in vitro true digestibility (IVTD), total phenolics (TP), and protein precipitable phenolics (PPP). Species differences were significant (P < 0.01) for all parameters measured. Lespedeza cuneata accessions, including “AUGrazer,” the cultivar most commonly used as an anti-parasitic crop in the United States had NDF, ADF, and IVTD values of 35.7±0.4%, 26.8±0.4%, and 74.3±1.2%, while L. virginica, a native species, had 34.9±3.0%, 26.0±2.5%, and 74.9±4.2%, respectively. The L. cuneata accessions averaged 179.6±4.3 and 133.6±3.5 mg/g of forage material for TP and PPP, while L. virginica averaged 564.2±24.6 and 306.5±19.9 mg/g, respectively. Other species varied from 30.5±3.0 to 47.4±4.2% NDF, 22.9±1.6 to 36.4±3.6% ADF, 55.2±5.9 to 81.6±3.4% IVTD, and 107.7±17.4 to 283.5±34.7 and 55.2±14.0 to 139.4±28.1 mg/g of forage for TP and PPP, respectively. Based upon these results, Lespedeza species tested in this study, particularly L. virginica, have potential as nutraceutical forages for livestock production systems. As L. cuneata accessions established and grew much better than other Lespedeza species in this study, agronomic testing of this germplasm collection in other environments is warranted. In addition, determining potential anti-parasitic properties of these species using in vitro and in vivo testing would be beneficial.