Investigation of the Quality of Plant Species Parts in Different Phenological Stages Using NIRs (Case Study: Rangelands of Nodooshan-Yazd)

The most important factor affecting forage quality is phenological stage, that recognizing it be determined the appropriate time grazing in pasture. In this study, four species including Artemisia sieberi, Salsola kerneri, Aelienia subaphylla and Eurotia ceratoides were sampled in different phenological stages (vegetative, flowering and seedling). Samples were taken from the rangelands of Nodooshan-Yazd in 1389 and 1390. At each stage, five replicates for each plant species were selected at least five vegetable base from different locations of vegetation type in the region for each replicates Year growth of shrub species were harvested. Samples grinding after drying and to separate the different parts (Flower, leaf and stem) and were analyzed using infrared spectroscopy in the laboratory. important indicators of quality such as crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), dry matter digestibility (DMD) and metabolic energy (ME) were determined. Results showed that the highest percentage of crude protein is related to in leaves of A. subaphylla and in vegetative stage (9.19%), highest percentage of ADF in shoot of and in seedling stage (53.42%) and highest percentage of DMD (48.13%) and highest amount of metabolic energy (6.18 MJ/KgDM) in leaves of A. sieberi and in vegetative stage. The end of the vegetative period can be considered the best time for grazing.