Comparison of drying methods for biochemical composition, energy aspects, and color properties of alfalfa hay

Kaplan M., Çetin N., Karpuzcu S., Çiftçi B.

BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY, cilt.15, ss.10331-10346, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 15
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s13399-024-05920-8
  • Dergi Adı: BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.10331-10346
  • Erciyes Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

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.