IN VITRO NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF TRITICALE HAY ASSOCIATED WITH COMMON VETCH FOR SMALL SCALE DAIRY PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

Abstract

Background. The decrease in the availability of rainwater and irrigation affects forage production, therefore the inclusion of crops with a shorter growth cycle and with less water requirements should be considered. Objective. The objective of the work was to carry out the nutritional evaluation of the association of two forages; triticale and common vetch for their possible inclusion in small scale dairy production systems. Methodology. Two treatments of the association of triticale/ common vetch forage were evaluated. Results. There were significative differences (p<0.05) for dry matter (DM) due to the conservation process, the rest of variables did not present significative differences (p>0.05). Implications. Given the increase of dry season it is necessary to evaluate other forms of forage conservation that allow increase its availability for a longer time. Conclusion. The evaluated treatments did not present significative differences in terms of their in vitro nutritional value, so it can be included in the diet of dairy cattle both as a preserved forage such as hay or without hay.