Feed-value of post-harvest quinoa plant sections grown by different cultural applications

Abstract

The aim of the study, the grains of the quinoa plant grown in the Kahramanmaraş region, Turkey, which was sown at different times (March 26, April 2, 13 and 26, and May 11) in various row spacing applications (20, 40 and 60 cm) was separated, and the feed-worthiness of the remaining plant sections were analyzed. The study findings demonstrated that crude protein content was 9.70-19.30%, dry matter ratio was 86.18-88.20%, acid detergent fiber content was 42.95-55.95%, neutral detergent fiber content was 51.23-64.27%, acid detergent insoluble protein content was 0.88-1.37%, digestible dry matter content was 45.3-55.4%, drymatter intake rate was 1.87-2.34%, relative feed value was 66.88-96.49%, and quality standard value varied between III and V. Mineral content was determined as follows: Ca: 0.96-1.96%, K: 1.47-2.08%, Mg: 0.17-0.74%, P: 0.18-0.37%, Tetany: 1.51-1.99, milk fever: 3.69-9.49. It was determined that the sowing time with the highest feed values for quinoa straw was May 11, while the ideal row spacing was 40 cm. Thus, a feed with higher protein and mineral content but low indigestible nutrient content could be obtained. However, it was concluded that it would be more adequate to employ the feed in composite form with other feed plants for feed quality.