INVESTIGATION OF BOTANICAL COMPOSITION, FEED VALUE, ORGANIC MATTER DIGESTIBILITY AND NET ENERGY LACTATION OF GRASS SILAGE AT EARLY MATURITY STAGE BY IN VIVO AND IN VITRO METHODS

This study was carried out to determine botanical composition, nutritive value, organic matter digestibility (OMD) and net energy lactation (NEL) of grass ensiled at early (early maturity, first cut) stage of maturity. In vivo and in vitro (gas test) methods were both used. The feed material of the study was taken from the producers in three different regions of (Arisu, Edremit, Kurubas) Van province at the first cutting period (1 June). Approximately 1000 kg of grass was cut from each pasture with a mower. It was kept in plastic bins, closed tightly and turned upside down until the day the silos were opened. In addition, 0.25-m(2) areas were cut, divided into species when wet, and the rate of participation of species in yield was calculated. Chemical analyses and in vivo and in vitro (gas test) experiments were conducted on the silage which was opended on the 60th day after it had been ensiled. According to the analysis; silages obtained from Edremit, Kurubas and Arisu pastures contained 27.38%, 22.30%, 24.78%, of dry matter 9.51%, 14.76%, 14.27% of crude protein, respectively; in vivo OMD was found 70.70%, 79,17%, 55.85%, and in vitro OMD48 h was found 66.79%, 61.65%, 61.15%, respectively. At the same time, the correlation between in vivo OMD and in vitro OMD48 hour was found R-2 0.99. It has been determined that Gramineae family is the dominant plant population in the pastures of Van province. In conclusion, it has been evaluated that grass ensiled at early maturity (first cut) stage increased organic matter digestibility of silages.