Within the experimental fields of the Infrastructure Center Jablje two ecotypes of cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb) were seeded in individual plots. The objective of the study was to evaluate the nutritional value of both species at relatively late first cut. Samples were collected at four different dates of first cutting: 22.5., 2.6., 12.6., and 24.6. The chemical composition and net energy value for lactation (NEL) were determined using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). At comparable harvesting dates the crude protein content (CP) and net energy for lactation (NEL) were higher in tall fescue, while the crude fibre content (CF) was higher in cocksfoot. During the observed period, the CP content decreased more rapidly in tall fescue (-1.09 vs. -0.74 g CP per kg of dry matter per day), while the NEL content decreased more rapidly in cocksfoot (-0.029 vs. -0.022 MJ NEL per kg of dry matter per day). Significant differences in the decline of nutritional value between the two plant species were observed. It was also found out that at comparable date of the late first cut, tall fescue has a higher nutritional value than cocksfoot.
COBISS.SI-ID: 5612904