Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
Abstract
In this research, first of all the key and important species as well as associated species of rangelands were recognized, then morphological and seasonal changes and preference value were determined on the selected species such as Artemisia aucheri, Kochia prostrata, Bromus tomentellus, Asperula glomerata and Buffonia cf.koelzii. In this research phonological stages of plants divided into 3 main stages including vegetative, flowering and seed maturity. Species preference values were studied with the method of time measurement. Effective factors on species palatability such as morphological characteristics, phonology, and chemical factors (Carbohydrates, Hemi cellulose, Protein…) of the species also were investigated. In the final step, data obtained in measurement time method were compared with environmental and morphological characteristics of the species as well as forage quality. The palatable species such as Bromus tomentellus, Asperula glomerata, Buffonia cf.koelzii and annual grasses were severally grazed in early time of the season. Rate of the grazing of, the species As. glomerata, Bu. cf.koelzii, Br. tomentellus and Ar.aucheri were 56, 59, 74 and 43 percent respectively. The laboratory analysis of forage quality also showed that there are positive correlation between moisture, protein and soluble sugar percentage with rate of forage use percentage. The regression equation showed that the amount of humidity, protein and soluble sugar with 56, 21 and 10 percent respectively shared in this model and high correlation of these factors showed their important role.
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