This study evaluated the forage yield and nutritional quality of Huser Plateau pasture in Rize, Türkiye, over the 2023-2024 growing seasons. Utilizing quadrat sampling and Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS), we determined an average dry yield of 102 kg/da. The average crude protein (CP) content was 16.29%, indicating substantial forage potential. Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) and Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) averaged 29.74% and 56.67%, respectively, revealing temporal fluctuations in digestibility. Calculated parameters indicated moderate to high forage quality, with Digestible Dry Matter (DDM) at 65.73%, Dry Matter Intake (DMI) at 2.19%, and Relative Feed Value (RFV) at 112.29. Digestible Energy (DE) was 3.08 Mcal/kg, and Metabolizable Energy (ME) was 2.53 Mcal/kg. Mineral analysis showed adequate phosphorus (0.32%) and potassium (1.91%) levels, while calcium (1.30%) and magnesium (0.23%) ratios varied between years. The Ca/P ratio averaged 4.25, and the K/(Ca+Mg) ratio averaged 1.46. These findings highlight the Huser Plateau pasture's significant forage potential, suggesting that strategic management practices are essential to mitigate seasonal variations and optimize livestock productivity.
| Primary Language | English |
|---|---|
| Subjects | Pasture-Meadow Forage Plants |
| Journal Section | Research Article |
| Authors | |
| Submission Date | April 28, 2025 |
| Acceptance Date | June 16, 2025 |
| Publication Date | June 26, 2025 |
| Published in Issue | Year 2025 Volume: 9 Issue: 2 |
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