CONTENT OF THE BASIC NUTRIENTS AND MINERAL COMPOSITION DEPENDING ON THE SPECIES OF GRASS HAY IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE VOLOGDA REGION

Abstract

The development of the agro-industrial complex is mainly associated with the
provision of complete, nutritious and varied fodder. The greatest use of the genetic potential
of livestock is largely dependent on high-quality and balanced fodder. Establishing the chemical composition is an important step in assessing the nutritional value of the fodder, but it is
not always stable and depends on many conditions: plant variety, climate, harvest time, harvesting techniques and storage methods. Knowing the actual nutrient content in the diet is an
essential part of managing a balanced diet for farm animals. The results of the research
showed that the protein content in perennial grasses hay in 2021 was low and wasn’t within
the normal limits and amounted to 8,54 %. In 2022 the norm was 10,00%. In the hay of legume-cereal grasses, protein in 2021 was also low – 9,62 %, at a norm of 11-14 %, in 2022 –
12,65 %, which met the standard rates. In the hay of natural lands, the protein content in 2021
and 2022 amounted to 7,58 and 7,59%, which did not correspond to the norm. According to
the results of studies of the mineral composition of hay, it was found that in hay of legumecereal grasses for the analyzed period, the amount of zinc was higher in comparison to other
types of hay and amounted to 11,13 g. It is also necessary to note the increased content of cobalt in hay of perennial grasses, which is twice as high as in other species. Thus, in order to
formulate a diet for cattle, it is necessary not only to have a whole set of required fodder on
the farm, but also to understand their real biochemical and mineral composition.