Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY, cilt.15, ss.10331-10346, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Alfalfa is a crucial feed source for livestock, necessitating proper drying to achieve optimal moisture levels before con-
sumption. This study aims to reveal alfalfa's drying characteristics and quality properties, defined as the queen of feed, by
drying it under different drying conditions. Alfalfa samples were dried using different drying techniques: Open-sun, shade,
greenhouse, hybrid (microwave-air-convective), air-convective, microwave, and freeze-drying. The influence of drying tech-
niques on the drying kinetics, energy aspects, biochemical properties, mineral composition, fatty acids, carotene, and color
attributes of alfalfa were investigated. Present findings revealed that shade and high-temperature drying conditions increased
the crude fiber content (23.18%) of alfalfa samples. The highest protein values were found in open-sun drying (22.01%) and
60 °C air-convective drying (22.10%). The highest values for mineral composition were determined in freeze drying, and
the greatest Zn (33.68 ppm) and Fe (135.45 ppm) contents were determined in 100 °C air-convective drying. The highest
saturated fatty acids open-sun (21.27%) and freeze dryer (21.07%), unsaturated fatty acids at 60 °C (84.51%) and 80 °C
(84.26%), poly unsaturated fatty acids at 60 °C (78.36%), 80 °C (78.14%) and 100 °C (77.74%) were obtained. The drying
kinetics of alfalfa were best modeled with the Jena&Das, and in terms of a* (greenness) values, the hybrid drying yielded
the best results. The lowest total energy consumption (54.00 kWh) was seen in 200W + 80 °C hybrid drying and the highest
(324.72 kWh) in 100 °C air-convective drying. The color attributes and energy consumption findings showed that hybrid
drying could efficiently be used for alfalfa drying. In addition, freeze drying was determined to be the best drying method
in terms of nutrient preservation.