THE COMPOSITION AND UTILIZATION OF SILAGE PREPARED FROM TIMOTHY (Phleum pratense L.) AND QUACKGRASS (Elytrigia repens (L.) NEOSKI)

Abstract

Silages prepared from the first-cut and 7-8 wk regrowth of timothy (Phleum pratense L.) and timothy stands with 56% infestation of quackgrass (Elytrigia repens (L.) Neoski) were compared for chemical composition and for their utilization. Quackgrass infestation of timothy had no significant effect on the silage composition, and its intake and apparent digestibility in sheep. The daily retention of N was higher with the timothy-quackgrass than timothy silage (P < 0.05).Key words: Phleum pratense, Elytrigia repens, voluntary intake, apparent digestibility, nitrogen retention