Condensed tannin concentrations in Lotus corniculatus and L. pedunculatus cultivars grown under low soil fertility conditions

Condensed tannin concentrations were determined, over a growing season, in the foliage of 11 cultivars of Lotus corniculatus L. and ‘Grasslands Maku’ L. pedunculatus Cav. growing under low sulphur conditions on a yellow‐grey earth. Concentrations in L. corniculatus ranged from 0.13 to 3.90% of dry matter and were significantly lower than those in Maku lotus (5.80‐9.76%). Within L. corniculatus cultivars, the semi‐erect types (Empire, Fargo, Winnar) had lower concentrations (0.13‐0.84%) than the erect types (El Boyero, Franco, Ginestrino, Granger, Leo, Lot, Maitland, and Sao Gabriel; 1.16‐3.90%). L. corniculatus cultivars recommended for dryland situations in New Zealand are all erect types, and condensed tannin concentrations will be in the range expected to increase protein utilisation by grazing ruminants whilst minimising any effects of tannin in depressing voluntary intake and digestibility of lotus.