Nutritive value, and in situ dry matter and protein degradability of fresh and ensiled Italian ryegrass at three stage of growth

The nutritive value of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) cut at three stages of growth and in fresh and ensiled, was determined in this study. The highest metabolisable energy content was found at 5% ear in fresh forages, and at the fourth leaf stage in silages. In vivo digestibility and vonluntary intake increased from fourth leaf to the 5% ear stage of growth which was followed by a reduction at the 100% ear stage of growth. In situ dry matter and protein degradability decreased (p10.05) with advancing stage of growth. In fresh forages protein degradability was higher (p10.05) than in ensiled forages. It was concluded that the best harvest time for Italian ryegrass was at the 5% ear stage of growth for both fresh forage, as well as silage.

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