1998 Volume 43 Issue 4 Pages 439-448
Concentration of 9 mineral elements and 3 constituents of free sugars in 14 varieties of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) were evaluated for 4 years in connection with the study on their palatability measured by Holstein heifers. Significant differences were recognized between varieties, especially in N, P, Mg, Ca, Mn and total free sugars. Relationship between palatability of varieties and their chemical constituents were investigated throughout the growing seasons. In late summer, the concentration of Ca was positively correlated with palatability and the ratio of K/(Ca+Mg) was negatively correlated with palatability in 1992, respectively. The concentration of K was also positively correlated with palatability in 1993. In autumn, the concentration of P was positively correlated with palatability in 1991. But there was no relationship between palatability of varieties and their sucrose, glucose and fructose concentration at the vegetative stage, respectively. Palatable variety Lude showed the highest concentration of Ca and ratio of Ca/P among the tested varieties, and also showed the lowest ratio of K/(Ca+Mg) throughout the growing seasons. It indicates that Lude will be a useful breeding material for the improvement of both palatability and the concentration and the ratio of mineral elements. A volatile compound which was specifically found in Lude and Lully was briefly discussed in relation with palatability.
