The Seasonal Variation of Forage's Chemical Composition of a Semi-Arid Rangeland According to Altitude and Aspects

Abstract

This study was carried out on Kop Mountain, which is located at the intersection of Eastern Anatolia and Eastern Black Sea in Turkey. Forage samples were taken from the semi-arid rangeland sites were analyzed for status of the chemical composition according to altitude and aspect. In addition, the seasonal variation of the chemical composition was investigated by repeated analyzes in 3 different periods. In terms of aspect, the highest crude protein ratio (13.40%) occurred in the north, the lowest ratio (10.11%) occurred in the east, while the higher crude protein ratio (11.88%) was observed in the backslope in terms of altitude. The highest crude protein rate (15.15%) was found in May. The highest rate (53.67%) was found in the east and the lowest (45.86%) in the North in terms of NDF. NDF rates in May, July, and October were 48.27%, 47.11%, and 58.17%, respectively. The highest value (33.30%) was recorded in the west and the lowest value (27.66%) was recorded in the North in terms of ADF. ADF values observed in May, July and October were determined as 26.98%, 30.93%, and 36.63%, respectively. According to the results of the research, it was determined that while the crude protein ratio decreased with the maturation of the plants, the elements forming the cell wall increased; and seasonal conditions changed and affected the forage quality.