Effect of Sowing and Cutting Age of Kochia scoparia in the Chemical Composition, In vitro Gas Production and Rumen Degradation

Aims: Determine the chemical composition and ruminal degradation and fermentation of Kochia scopariaat three sowing dates (D1, D2, D3) and two cutting ages, 120 (C1) and 165 (C2) days post seeding.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Animal Nutrition, between August 2011 and June 2013.
Methodology: Samples were analyzed using a randomized statistical design 3x2. Chemical composition, in vitro gas production (GP) 96 h and in sacco ruminal degradation at 24h was determined.
Results: Crude protein content was higher (P< .05) for dates D2 > D3 > D1, and for cutting interval, C1 > C2 (P<0.05). Interaction, D2C2 and D3C1 were higher in comparison with the rest of interactions. In vitro GP (ml gas/ g DM) was not different (P>0.05) for A, b, c and lag time, for the main effects of sowing date and cutting interval. In sacco rumen degradable protein [RDP], D2 was higher (P< .05) in comparison with the rest of the treatments. There were not differences (P>.05) among cuts.
Conclusion: Kochia scoparia could be used as a protein source for ruminant feeding with a higher rumen degradability, which will be influenced by the sowing establishment date and in lower magnitude for the cutting age.