Chemical Composition of the First Cut of Forage Ryegrass (Lolium) Species

Four ryegrass species: annual (Lolium multiflorum var. westerwoldicum), Italian (Lolium multiflorum), hybrid (Lolium boucheanum) and perennial (Lolium perenne) were studied at the Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture during 2007-2008. Crude protein (CP), water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), crude fibre (CF) and dry matter digestibility (DMD) were evaluated. The Italian and hybrid ryegrass had significantly highest DMD (86.28% and 85.56%) and WSC (37.37% and 35.98%). These species also had the lowest CF percentage (18.8% and 19.33%). Annual ryegrass had significantly lowest DMD (62.21%) and highest CF (26.15%). The annual ryegrass had the best proportion of CP and WSC - 0.83. This species also had the significantly highest CP and lowest WSC among all studied species. The CP variation was average in annual, Italian and hybrid ryegrass, and low in perennial. The variation WSC was average in annual ryegrass and low in all other studied species. The CF and digestibility variation was low for all species. Ryegrass varieties were distinguished by the best chemical composition: annual- 'Elunaria', 'Weldra' and 'Energa'; Italian - 'Talvike', 'Delecta' and 'Corbes'; hybrid - 'Abereve', 'Agata' and 'Lorry'; perennial - 'Zvilge' and 'Raminta'.