Co-Authors:
Tadmor, N., Division de Pâturage, et Division de Chimie Agricole Institut Volcani de Recherches Agronomiques, Rehovot, Israel
Lachover, D., Division de Pâturage, et Division de Chimie Agricole Institut Volcani de Recherches Agronomiques, Rehovot, Israel
Abstract:
Seasonal changes in the chemical fodder composition of a number of pasture types in the northern semi-arid Negev of Israel were determined. Data were obtained for saltbush (Atriplex halimusl.), native vegetation (following cultivation), an annual legume mixture (mainly Vicia dasycarpal.), barley and oats. The greatest seasonal variations in chemical composition for all pasture types occurred: in crude protein and crude fiber content. In general also fat an mineral (ash) content changed often markedly, whereas carbohydrates (Nitrogen free extract) relatively varied least. The legumes were notable for their high protein and low fiber level throughout the year, both in the growing season and in the dry forage phase. Native vegetation was lowest, and saltbush intermediate. During the growing season, oats and barley had a medium protein content; fiber was highest in barley and lowest in oats. On the other hand in the dry forage phase oats and barley had the lowest protein and highest fiber content of all pasture types. According to the level of each chemical component the evaluation of the pasture plants in the two extreme seasons (growing and dry forage phase) as fodder is established. © 1968 Uitgeverij Dr. W. Junk.