SEASONAL CHANGES OF PROTEINS, STRUCTURAL CARBOHYDRATES, FATS AND MINERALS IN HERBAGE DRY MATTER OF RED CLOVER (Trifolium pratense L.)

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is the second most important perennial forage legume, after alfalfa. It is a significant source of proteins, which are essential in the diet of domestic animals, especially ruminants. The objective of this study was to determine the most important characteristics of dry matter quality (crude proteins, structural carbohydrates, fats and minerals) in three varieties of red clover (K-17, Kolubara and Una). The characteristics were monitored, per individual cuts, during one production cycle of red clover, i.e., in the period 2004- 2006. Highest contents of crude protein in all three test years were obtained in the second cut. Significantly increased contents of crude proteins (18.32%) and potassium (K-2.53%) were found in the red clover cultivar Una developed in Novi Sad. Significantly increased values of both cellulose fiber fractions (NDF, ADF) were registered in the second year of growing. The highest content of minerals was determined at the beginning of the growing season in the first and second year (8.68% and 8.52%, respectively). Here it should be mentioned that the contents of basic biogenous elements, phosphorus and potassium, were within the expected optimum range.