Soluble Proteins of Alfalfa, White Clover, and Birdsfoot Trefoil1

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Abstract
Total soluble protein and perceut Fraction 1 protein of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), white clover (Trifolium repens L.), and four varieties (‘Teton,’ ‘Travois,’ ‘Vernal,’ ‘Ladak’) of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) were investigated using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Plants were grown in a growth chamber under 2 day lengths and were harvested at prebud, bud, and bloom stages of growth.Statistically significant differences in total soluble protein content were shown among varieties and among species. However, no statistically significant difference in percent Fraction 1 protein, measured as a percentage of the total soluble protein, could be detected among birdsfoot trefoil aud three varieties of alfalfa. Both birdsfoot trefoil and Teton alfalfa were significantly lower in percent Fraction I protein than Vernal alfalfa and white clover. Minor differences in percent Fraction 1 protein due to species, day length, or stage of growth and their interactions do not appear sufficiently large to be a primary factor in the etiology of bloat.Qualitative differences in lipoprotein staining patterns were evident among species, varieties, and between clones within a variety (or species) with the exception of birdsfoot trefoil. Visual quantitative differences could also be easily detected.

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