Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Assistant professor, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 M.Sc. in Rangeland Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
3 Professor, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
4 Research Instructor, Research Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources, West Azerbaijan, Urmia, Iran
Abstract
Determination of forage quality of rangeland species is one of the fundamental factors for evaluation of grazing capacity and management of rangelands. In this study, forage quality of Agropyron libanoticum was compared in three phenological stages in Nejh valley, Urmia. After sampling, quality indices such as ADF, CP, ME and DMD were measured in laboratory. Results showed that there were significant differences among the growth stages (at 1 % level of probability). Forage quality of vegetative growth stage was higher than that of flowering and seed ripening stages. Crude protein content decreased from early growth to the end of growth and there was significant difference among vegetative growth stage and flowering as well as seed ripening stage.
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