FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS OF THREE DIFFERENT CATCH CROPS FOR MILKING COW ANIMAL FEED

The catch crops can represent a viable forage source in dry years. The aim of this paper is to present the results of the preliminary feasibility study of three different catch crops that can be used in northeast Slovenia. The Italian ryegrass (Lollium multiflorum Lam.), cow cabbage (Brassica oleracea L., convar.: acephala (DC) Alef. var viridis) and Sudan grass (Sorghum sudannense (Piper) Stapf) were included into the analysis. On the basis of field experiments and other available data the catch crops simulation models were derived. The models enable estimation of costs and returns of catch crops mentioned above at different input parameters. Individual analyzed catch crop was included into milking cow feeding rations which were derived with the application of a mathematical optimisation program. The estimated costs of feeding ration represent the basis for comparison of catch crops feasibility.