PALATABILITY OF SUBTERRANEAN CLOVER AND SOME PERENNIAL GRASSES AND LEGUME FORAGE CROPS

Abstract

cafeteria” the palatability or the preference of sheep (Pleven Blackface sheep) to the subterranean clover and to other commonly used perennial forage crops was studied. The observations were done on pure swards of subterranean clover ( Trifolium subterraneum ssp. brachycalicinum ) (cv.“Antas”), birdsfoot trefoil ( Lotus corniculatus L.) (cv. “Targovishte 1”), sainfoin ( Onobrychis viciaefolia L.) (local population), cocksfoot ( Dactylis glomerata L.) (cv. “Dabrava”) and tall fescue ( Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) (cv. "Albena"). Results obtained showed that subterranean clover was grazed at 100% and from the legumes sheep prefer most this crop followed by birdsfoot trefoil and sainfoin, and from the grasses – cocksfoot. Subterranean clover consist higher crude protein and lower crude fiber content, thus is a palatable and preferred for grazing by sheep forage crop compared to sainfoin, cocksfoot and tall fescue.