Theme 09: Forage Quality

Description

The primary objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of three plant population levels (350, 750 and 1150 plants m-2) on dry matter yield and forage quality (crude protein and dry matter digestibility) of four rye-grass genotypes (Barspectra, Billion, Clipper and Pollanum) used in two harvests (March and May).

The results for dry matter yield means by year, genotype, and harvest were always higher in the second harvest than in the first, and the highest total mean value was reached in the first year (5853 Kg ha-1). The genotype Billion was the most stable over years. Concerning to plant population there was a trend for the highest level to conduct to the best results only in the first year, for most of the genotypes.

Protein concentration was greater in the first harvest (206 g kg-1) than in the second (124 g kg-1). It was also found that the best value was reached at the lowest plant population level and that Billion genotype showed the lowest content, 161 g kg-1, but not very much different from the others.

For dry matter digestibility the highest values were found in the second year (740 g kg- 1) and in the first harvest (854 g kg-1). The genotype Clipper presented the greatest value (740 g kg-1) and so did the intermediate level of plant population.

As a general conclusion it can be stated that, for practical purposes, the intermediate population level (750 pl m-2), especially in dry years, and the genotype Billion should be recommended.

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The Effect of Plant Population on the Yield and Quality of Annual Rye-Grass

The primary objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of three plant population levels (350, 750 and 1150 plants m-2) on dry matter yield and forage quality (crude protein and dry matter digestibility) of four rye-grass genotypes (Barspectra, Billion, Clipper and Pollanum) used in two harvests (March and May).

The results for dry matter yield means by year, genotype, and harvest were always higher in the second harvest than in the first, and the highest total mean value was reached in the first year (5853 Kg ha-1). The genotype Billion was the most stable over years. Concerning to plant population there was a trend for the highest level to conduct to the best results only in the first year, for most of the genotypes.

Protein concentration was greater in the first harvest (206 g kg-1) than in the second (124 g kg-1). It was also found that the best value was reached at the lowest plant population level and that Billion genotype showed the lowest content, 161 g kg-1, but not very much different from the others.

For dry matter digestibility the highest values were found in the second year (740 g kg- 1) and in the first harvest (854 g kg-1). The genotype Clipper presented the greatest value (740 g kg-1) and so did the intermediate level of plant population.

As a general conclusion it can be stated that, for practical purposes, the intermediate population level (750 pl m-2), especially in dry years, and the genotype Billion should be recommended.