Year 2026, Volume 72 Issue 1
| Year : | 2026 |
| Volume : | 72 |
| Issue : | 1 |
| Authors : | Galina NAYDENOVA, Tatyana BOZHANSKA, Tsvetomira BANCHEVA |
| Title : | FORAGE POTENTIAL OF WILD-GROWING POPULATIONS OF Bituminaria bituminosa (L.) STIRT |
| Abstract : | The aim of the present study includes an analysis of the basic chemical composition and an evaluation of the nutritional value of the aboveground biomass from local populations of Bituminaria bituminosa (LP 144, LP 191, LP 375, LP 420), harvested at the early flowering phenophase. On average for the period (2022–2023), the crude protein content in the dry matter of B. bituminosa swards was 130.0 g kg⁻¹ DM (CV=5.05–11.80%). The analysis data indicate a low degree of variability in the values of this indicator depending on environmental factors. The concentrations of crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber were 354.4, 483.4, and 375.7 g kg⁻¹ DM, respectively. The species recorded high values in terms of the macroelement calcium content (up to 4.79 g kg⁻¹ DM) and very low values for phosphorus (0.03–0.08 g kg⁻¹ DM). The values of relative feed value (RFV) in the swards ranged from 95.06 to 138.98%, and the dry matter digestibility (DDM) ranged from 55.18% to 62.75%. These results suggest good intake and assimilation of the forage, especially in dry pasture areas, by ruminant animals. The analysis data confirm that the high presence of B. bituminosa improves the overall forage value of degraded xerothermic grasslands. The species' ability for summer and autumn regrowth makes it a valuable resource for pastures in the hilly and foothill regions of Central Northern Bulgaria. |
| For citation : | Naydenova, G., Bozhanska, T., Bancheva, T. (2026). Forage potential of wild-growing populations of Bituminaria bituminosa (L.) Stirt. Agriculture and Forestry, 72 (1): 107-118. https://doi:10.17707/AgricultForest.72.1.07 |
| Keywords : | Bituminaria bituminosa, chemical composition, relative feed value |
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