Variation in leaf nutrition of Robinia pseudoacacia clones

Crude protein, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, tannin and 18 kinds of amino acids in the leaves were studied on 19 three\|year\|old clones of Robinia pseudoacacia, of which 6 were from China (clones 2N, 8044, 8048, 83002, 84023 and 3I), 3 from Hungary (H1, H2 and YDL) and 10 from Korea (K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, A, B, C, F and G). Their nutritive values were evaluated by means of amino acid scores (AAS), essential amino acid index (EAAI) and general methods. There were significant differences among the clones in acid detergent fiber and tannin but not in crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and calcium and phosphorus in the leaves. Clones K4, K5, A, B and G had significantly lower contents of acid detergent fiber than Clone 2N (P0.05), while Clone G had a lower tannin content (6.9 g/kg) than 2N (28.9 g/kg) (P0.05). The contents of 18 kinds of amino acids of all clones were both high(159.8-240.0 g/kg) and balanceable. Their nutritive values evaluated by means of amino acid scores (84.1-118.8) were higher than alfalfa (AAS=64.3). Essential amino acid index proved that all clones could be excellent fodder to cattle, pig, chicken, fish, rabbit and sheep. Clones 2N, H1, K3 and K4 produced similar values to alfalfa from general methods while the other clones had higher values.