Studies on the Endophyte Status and Cutting Frequency of Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. ) II. Forage quality of tall fascue

Tall Fescue의 Endophyte 감염과 예취횟수에 관한 연구 II. 사료가치에 미치는 영향

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of endophyte staWendophyte-free and -infect) and cutting frequency(3, 4, 5 and 6 timeslyear) on the forage quality of tall fescue(Festuca crnrtzdit~crcerr Schreb.) at the Experimental Field of Grassland and Forage Crops Division. National Livestock Research Institute, Suweon, from 1993 to 1994. 'Ihe results obtained are summarized as follows: CP content of tall fexue was increased with endophyte-free and cutting frequency for two varieties. Crude protein yield(CPY) of tall fescue in 1993 was increased with endophyte-free and cutting frequency for two varieties(P<0.05). In 1994, however. CPY of endophyte-free tall fescue was slightly lower than that of endophyte-infected tall fescue and the higher CPY was observed when tall fescue was harvested 6 times per year. NDF content of tall fescue was not different between endophyte-infected and -free. NDF was decreased with cutting frequency for two varieties in 1993, however. it was not influenced by the endophyte and cutting frequency in 1994. ADF content of tall fescue was not different between endophyte-infected and -free. and it was decreased with cutting frequency for two varieties. IVDMD was not influenced by endophyte, however, it was increased with cutting frequency for two varieties. Based on the results of this experiment, it is suggested that a slight increase in forage quality could be obtained from endophyte-free tall fescue and the quality was increased with frequent cutting.