Effect of the stage of maturity and growth phase on feeding value of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) grown in the Setouchi district
Miaki, T.
Journal of Japanese Society of Grassland Science 16(1): 46-49
1970
ISSN/ISBN: 0447-5933 Accession: 000076527
A stand of red clover Kenland, established in 1966 was given 600 kg 7:11:7 NPK fertilizer/ha in early Mar. in 1967 and '68 and cut during vegetative growth, at the bud stage, or at early flowering. Regrowths were cut at early flowering. Percentage leaf decreased with advancing maturity from 55% at early growth to 20% at early flowering. CP, fat, ash and P contents decreased, whereas CF and lignin contents increased during growth. Throughout the first growth and regrowth periods, DM, CP and Ca contents were higher and CF contents lower in leaves than in stems. As growth progressed, DM and Ca contents of leaves increased and P contents decreased and CP content increased at early flowering.