Analysis of forage quality of grass mixtures perennial grasses with subterranean clover

Yordanka Naydenova, Viliana Vasileva

Abstract: The analysis of forage quality of perennial grass species orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) (pure swards) and their mixtures with three subspecies subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) in followed relations: grass + Trifolium subterraneum ssp. brachycalicinum (50:50%); grass + Trifolium subterraneum ssp. yaninicum (50:50%); grass + Trifolium subterraneum ssp. subterraneum (50:50%); grass + Trifolium subterraneum ssp. brachycalicinum + Trifolium subterraneum ssp. yaninicum + Trifolium subterraneum ssp. Subterraneum (25:25:25:25%) is presented. The field experiment is carried out at the Institute of Forage Crops, Pleven, Bulgaria (2011–2013). It is established that subterranean clover Trifolium subterraneum ssp. brachycalicinum in mixture with orchardgrass improves principal chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of forage biomass dry matter. The energy feeding value (Feed units for milk and Feed units for growth) is the highest for the mixtures of orchardgrass with Trifolium subterraneum ssp. brachycalicinum. The protein feeding value (Total digestible protein, PDIN, PDIE) significantly prove is increased for all kind of mixtures orchardgrass – subterranean clover. Their forage quality is improved in comparison with the same mixtures of tall fescue. The principal chemical composition is more balanced, digestibility is significantly increased as well as net energy and protein feeding value is higher.

Keywords: Dactylis glomerata; digestibility; energy and protein feeding value; Festuca arundinacea; forage; grass-legume mixtures; Trifolium subterraneum

Date published: 2017-02-09