Abstract: The objective of the study was to assess the nutritional value of 5 introduced forages (thyme, sickle alfalfa, Stipa capillata Linn, sheep fescue, sedge) planted in the ZhaoSu prairie, Xinjiang for evaluation of their potential as forage crops and potential for control of desertification. The 360 forage samples were collected from May to October and analyzed for crude protein, crude fat, dry matter, calcium, and phosphorus. There was evidence of nutritional value differences among the 5 forages during the months from May to August (P＜0.01 or P＜0.05). The nutritional value of sickle alfalfa was greater than the other forages (P＜0.01 or P＜0.05). However, there was no evidence that the nutritional value of the 5 forages differed during the months from September to October (P＞0.05). Crude protein of all forages was greater in May than other months and the crude protein of sickle alfalfa was greater in both May and June (P＜0.01) compared to other months. The results suggested that sickle alfalfa was the best forage for controlling desertification, and had better feeding value than other forages evaluated in May and June. Further, sickle alfalfa can meet the forage needs of herders in Xinjiang for feeding livestock.