The Effects of Different Forage Types on Feed Values and Digestibilities in Some Brassica Fodder Crops

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore the effects of different forage types (fresh, hay and silage) on the chemical composition, forage quality and in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) of fodder turnip (Brassica rapa), fodder mustard (Brassica nigra) and canola (Brassica napus L.). Ankom Daisy incubator was used to determine the IVTD and forages were incubated for 48 hours. According to the findings of this study, canola silage and mustard silage have the highest ether extract (EE) content, while mustard silage has the highest crude protein (CP) content (P<0.001). It was found that, among the samples, turnip silage has the highest value in terms of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content; mustard grass, turnip grass and canola hay have higher values in terms of lignin content while mustard silage has the lowest lignin content. As a result, it was concluded that grass, hay and silage obtained from Brassica fodder crops could be used as alternative forage souces. However, use of Brassica silages is recommended in ruminant nutrition.