1. Forage trees: protein source from Morus species for livestock feeding in Galicia, Spain
Mosquera-Losada MR, Fernández-Lorenzo JL, Rigueiro-Rodríguez A, Ferreiro-Domínguez N,
28 April 2017
European Union’s Seventh Framework Program for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement no

2. Background
Mulberry (Morus sp) are used as a livestock fodder in many countries around the world (i.e. India and Japan)
The leaves of the mulberry are known by its high protein content with good amino acid profile, high digestibility, high mineral content, low fibre content and very good palatability
Lack of knowledge in the European temperate countries
Experiments in Galicia (NW Spain)

3. Objective
To determine the adaptation, productivity and fodder quality of four clones of mulberry (Morus alba Criolla; Morus alba Tigrenda, Morus alba Illaverde and Morus nigra) in the temperate region of northwest Spain.

4. Materials and Methods Plant material
Clones multiplied by 2 systems
In vitro propagation (also for germplasm conservation)
All four clones
Rooted Cuttings
Clones Criolla & Illa Verde

5. Materials and Methods In vitro protocols
Forced shoots from branch segments collected in January as a source of explants
Protocols for in vitro introduction, multiplication, rooting and acclimatation
Multiplication medium: MS salts + fructose mg/L benzyl-adenine
Rooting medium: MS salts + fructose (+ 1.0 mg/L IBA)
Stocks in vitro for germplasm conservation

6. Materials and Methods Rooted cuttings (Criolla & Illaverde)
Use of IBA in talcum (0, 4000, 8000 pmm)
Woody and softwood cuttings
Substrate peat-moss:perlite* (1:1, 1:2, 1:3; v:v) *no significant differences
Best results in bold

7. Materials and Methods Growing of plants in the greenhouse
Acclimatation of micropropagated plants
Development of rooted cuttings

8. Materials and Methods Experimental design
LOCALISATION (Galicia, NW Spain)
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
A randomized block design (three blocks x clone) comprising four clones of mulberry (CR: Morus alba criolla; TI: Morus alba tigrenda, IL: Morus alba illaverde and MN: Morus nigra) was set up in three areas of Galicia (NW Spain) with different climatic conditions in autumn 2015
In each field plot (250 cm x 250 cm), 25 plants were planted at a planting distance of 50 x 50 cm

9. Materials and Methods Field sampling and laboratory analysis
The tree height, crown and base diameter were measured using a metric tape and a calibre on each individual plant
Estimation of the plant survival
To determine dry matter yield and protein content of leaves and stems, in the nine central plants of each experimental unit, counting of all shoots, 1 representative shoot from each plant was taken
LABORATORY ANALYSIS
Dry matter yields were calculated after oven drying plant shoot samples at 45°C until constant weight
The crude protein content was determined by using the Kjeldahl method and estimated by multiplying Kjeldahl-nitrogen by a conversion factor of 6.25
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
ANOVA
LSD

10. Results

11. Results: Yield (Mg ha-1)
Different letters indicate differences among
varieties for each plant fraction

12. Results: Protein Content (%)
Different letters indicate differences among
varieties for each plant fraction

13. Conclusions
Cuban-source mulberries (M.alba Tigrenda and Criolla) presented the highest growth (total height, shoot and base diameter) during the first year of establishment when compared to Galician-source mulberries (M.alba Illaverde and M. nigra).
Morus alba clones (both Cuban and Galician-source) presented significantly higher yields when compared to M. nigra.
The different Morus clones showed no significantly different protein contents (ranging from 9.8 to 21.6 % in leaves) for the first year of establishment. Differences were found only among sites.
Therefore, this initial study showed promising results for the use of Cuban-source mulberries as animal fodder in temperate European regions. However, increasing the duration of the field trial are needed to provide further evidences of the best cultivar(s) for temperate climatic conditions.

14. European Union’s Seventh Framework Program for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement no