FORAGE QUALITY ASSESSMENTS OF RED CLOVER (TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE L.) THROUGH NEAR INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY

• Main Authors: D. DUNEA, GH. MOTCĂ
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Agroprint Timisoara 2007-05-01
• Series: Scientific Papers Animal Science and Biotechnologies
• Subjects: red clover hays; near infrared reflectance spectroscopy; feed value; chemical composition
• Online Access: http://spasb.ro/index.php/spasb/article/view/1586

This paper provides measurements of the chemical composition of the red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and hybrid ryegrass (Lolium hybridum Hausskn) forage through NIRS measurements in different development stages of the first crop production cycle during the first year of growth in Târgovişte Plain. The overall aim of this work was to perform a detailed analysis of red clover, as a component of a grass-clover mixture. Red clover soled crop (three diploids and three tetraploid cultivars), and hybrid ryegrass intercropping 50-50% were used in order to define the stability and sustainability boundaries of a reliable intensive system. Experimental trials were performed in Târgovişte Plain (Dobra), Romania (2004- 2006). Hays were harvested at pre-bloom – F1, at early bloom – F2, and mid-bloom F3 of red clover. Relative feed value (RFV) decreased with the development stages both in clover and hybrid ryegrass. In Târgovişte plain, red clover has accumulated 280.6 kg crude protein/ha in pre bloom and 697.7 kg/ha in mid bloom. The mineral elements content showed 1.41-1.93% calcium, 1.2-2.2% potassium and 0.29-1.41% phosphorous according to the phenological stages.