Effects of phenological stages on forage quality of five rangeland species in semi-steppe rangeland of Jashlobar Semnan

In this study, five rangeland species including Festuca rubra, Astragalus glocucantus, Astragalus flocoffus, Acantolimon erinaceum and Acantophyllum sordidum were selected at three phenological stages of vegetative growth, flowering and seeding. These species are almost palatable and important in rangelands of Jashlobar, Semnan. For each phenological stage, three replications and for each replication, five species were collected. Plant samples were analyzed to determine N percentage as well as acid detergent fiber (ADF). Crude protein (CP), dry matter digestibility (DMD) and metabolizable energy (ME), were estimated based upon N percentage and acid detergent fiber (ADF)., Split-plot design was applied for data analysis in a randomized complete design with 3 replications and 15 treatments for each location. After collecting the data, combined analysis of variance was used in order to investigate the changes of forage quality index. According to the results, chemical composition of plants showed significant changes and phenological stages had a significant effect on forage quality. With the advance of growth, CP, DMD and ME decreased while ADF content increased. Obtained results are applicable for estimating daily required forage for grazing livestock and determining appropriate time for livestock entry to the rangeland.