The non-structural carbohydrates in forage
1998
Schubiger, X. | Bosshard, H.-R. | Lehmann, J. (Eidg. Forschungsanstalt fuer Agraroekologie und Landbau Reckenholz, FAL, Zuerich (Switzerland))
In a three year trial, the effects of cutting frequency and nitrogen fertilization on the content of non-structural carbohydrates (glucose fructose, sucrose, fructans and starch) of a grass clover mixture were investigated. The first growth showed the highest content of non-structural carbohydrates with 153 to 185 g/kg DM. This content decreased during summer and autumn to 65 - 103 g/kg DM. Nitrogen fertilization had a small influence on the total amount of non-structural carbohydrates. Fertilization however increased the propagation of gasses and thus the content of fructans. Higher concentrations of sugar plus fructans and starch increased the digestibility of the forage. Differences in digestibility between spring and summer could be explained by different content of non stuctural carbohydrates.
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