Chemical composition of poplar clones leaf in two different removes

Five exotic and native poplar clones (two P. euramericana clones, P.d. 72/51 and two native species which are traditionally grazed by livestock during summer) were selected for this study. The purposes of this study were to determine chemical composition of poplar leaves. The fresh leaves were collected during first (June 1st) and second (July 25th) growth stages. All samples were dried to determine chemical analyses such as, Nitrogen (N), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL). The results showed that crude protein value varied from 7.9 to 10.5% and crude fiber value varied from 15.2 to 19.8% at the early growth season; P. x eura. triplo showed higher value than other clones. NDF and ADL varied from 30.9 to 35 % and 22.2 to 25%, respectively. The highest amount of NDF was observed in P.d. 72/51, P.e. triplo and P. euphratica. Cluster analysis of data illustrated three distinct groups in first and middle growth stages