Alfalfa plants having measurable endogenous tannin levels for use as alfalfa forage for improved ruminant health and nutrition and methods of identifying and breeding tannin-expressing alfalfa plants

摘要

Methods for identification of tannin-expressing alfalfa plants, alfalfa plants having measurable endogenous tannin levels and methods of breeding for alfalfa cultivars having measurable endogenous tannin levels are disclosed. Methods for feeding ruminants with forage from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plants having measurable endogenous tannin levels, which provides bloat safety, bypass proteins, increased pest resistance and improved ruminant health and nutrition are also disclosed. The methods involve the use of alfalfa plants having measurable endogenous tannin levels as a major source of feed.