The effects of growth stage and cutting time on chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and fermentative gas production of alfalfa forage were studied in a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement of 3 × 2. Three growth stages of early bud, late bud and early bloom and 2 cutting times of 06:00 h and 18:00 hrs were used as the main factors. Amount of leaves and leaves to stems ratio of the forage were declined by increasing the growth stage, whereas, dry matter or forage production increased significantly (p<0.05). Crude protein (CP) content, dry matter digestibility (DMD), digestion rate of NDF and gas production rate of dry matter declined by increasing the growth stage of alfalfa forage. Cutting of alfalfa plant in the afternoon led to higher amount of soluble carbohydrate, crude protein, and gas production rate significantly (P<0.05). It was concluded that cutting time of alfalfa forage at early bud stage in the afternoon provides better hay for ruminants in case of nutritive value.

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