The feeding value assessment of forage from some C-4 grass species in different phases of vegetation. Part II. Miscanthus sacchariflorus [Maxim.] Hack.

Chemical composition of forage from silver banner grass, Miscanthus sacchariflorus (Maxim.) Hack. was determined in different phases of vegetation. Plants were grown in Botanical Garden of PBAI in Bydgoszcz and analysis were done in Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Management Economy, Faculty of Animal Breeding and Biology of University of Technology and Agriculture in Bydgoszcz. Along with plant growth and development, significant changes of some components were observed. Crude protein content in dry matter at the beginning of earing and flowering phase was significantly lower as compared to vegetative phase. As opposite to above, structural carbohydrates contents (crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber) were significantly higher during beginning of heading and flowering phase. Statistically significant increase of water soluble carbohydrates content in forage dry matter was noted at the beginning of flowering as compared to earlier phases. Tested species ensiled easy at all vegetative phases. The quality of silage was good or very good, excluding silage with addition of chemical inoculants (MIII). Silage during oxygenic phase was stable. Our results suggest possible forage use of Miscanthus biomass.