Effects of Harvesting Time on Nutritional Value of Hydroponic Barley Production

Abstract

In this study aimed that the effects of different harvesting times on the nutritional value of barley fodder producing in hydroponic system. Barley fodders were harvested on the 4th, 7th, 10th and 13th days following sowing date. Analysis performed for determining the chemical composition and organic matter digestibility (OMD) and ME content with in vitro gas production technique. It was determined that the DM content was decreased, the CP content was not changed significantly, cell wall contents (NDF, ADF, ADL) and ash content were increased by the maturation of the sprouts. In this study DM, ADF and ash contents were changed significantly (P0.05). According to the results, suitable harvesting date was 7th day following the sowing in term of nutritional value of the fodder