Seasonal fluctuation in concentrations of α-tocopherol and β-carotene in forage herb and legume species and a grass-clover mixture

Summary

Most studies in forages have been carried out with perennial ryegrass and legume species such as white clover. Recently, alfa-tocopherol and beta-carotene in a number of dicotyledonous forage species were compared to a grass-clover mixture. To develop management guidelines, insight into seasonal patterns across the various harvests and years is important. Therefore, four herb species, three legumes and a perennial ryegrass-white clover mixture were investigated in a cutting trial with four harvests (May-Oct) during 2009 and 2010.
Concentrations of alfa-tocopherol and beta-carotene were highest in October and lowest in July.
Biodiverse pastures could have added benefits in farming practice as various herbs outperformed the grass-clover mixture regarding alfa-tocopherol concentration, particularly in autumn.