Investigation on forage quality changes of Gymnocarpus decander in different phenological stages in Hormozgan province (Case Study: Rudan)

Determining the forage quality is one of the main factors required for proper, systematic and comprehensive management of rangelands. This research carried out to investigate forage quality of Gymnocarpus decander in the region of Rudan, at three phenological stages (vegetative, flowering and seed ripening). At each stage, 3 replications and in each replication 3 plants selected randomly, and sampled from the aerial shoots. Then, samples were analyzed to determine the quality traits including crude protein (CP), Acid detergent fiber (ADF), Natural detergent fiber (NDF), dry matter digestibility (DMD), metabolic energy (ME), water soluble carbohydrate (WSC), Ash Stands, Ether Extract (EE) phosphorus (P) and Calcium (Ca). The data were analyzed with SPSS statistical software and mean comparisons were performed using Duncan's multiple range test. The Results showed that the forage quality in this species decreased with growth stages increasing. crude protein was the lowest in seeding stage and there was significant between vegetative growth and flowering stages. Metabolizable energy in flowering stage were more than both other stages. Vegetative growth and flowering stages has more quality than seeding stage and forage quality in seeding stage the best time of grazing be considered.