Abstract

ESPINOZA-CANALES, Alejandro et al. Forage quality of canola (Brassica napus L.) at early and late bloom under rainfed conditions in Zacatecas, Mexico. Rev. mex. de cienc. pecuarias [online]. 2017, vol.8, n.3, pp.243-248. ISSN 2448-6698.  https://doi.org/10.22319/rmcp.v8i3.4501.

Canola forage could be an option for diversify crops grown under rainfed conditions and to improve quality forage produced. The objective was to evaluate nutritional composition of canola under rainfed conditions at two plant-growing stages. Fourty eight (48) randomly samples of forage in early bloom (5 % bloom, n= 24) and late bloom (90 % bloom, n= 24) were used within 1 ha plot located in semi-temperate climate at North of Mexico. All samples were dry at 65 °C during 48 h; bromatological and nutritional evaluation were performed using standard methods. Differences (P<0.05) were observed in all variables, averaging 26 vs 12 % crude protein, 47 vs 60 % neutral detergent fiber, 28 vs 52 % acid detergent fiber, 2.56 vs 1.99 % dry matter intake (%BW), 67 vs 48 % DMS, and 133 vs 72 relative forage value, 1.52 vs 0.86 net energy for maintenance (Mcal/kg), respectively for early and late bloom. It is concluded that early bloom canola forage represents better quality because of its protein content and fiber fraction. Estimated energetic value is 1.8 times greater in early bloom compared with late bloom (1.52 vs 0.86 Mcal ENm/kg); and early bloom energetic value is compared with sudan grass.

Keywords : Canola; Forage potential; Nutritional profile; Protein; Energy.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )