The analysis of forage quality for organic milk production in fruška gora region

Abstract

As a result of the growing demand for organic products, especially organic milk, the livestock organic production has increased. In this paper botanical and chemical composition of forage for organic diary cow production in Fruška Gora region were analysed. In the mixed hay samples, species from the Poaceae family were classified, according to their nutritive value into the first class. Dominant presence of Dactilys glomerata L. and Poa pratensis was revealed. Lucerne hay was predominantly composed only by one leguminous species Medicago sativa L. Basic nutritive components of mixed and Lucerne hay: crude moisture, crude ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude cellulose, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) phosphorous (P), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) were determined. Determined levels of hazardous and noxious substances (mycotoxins, pesticides and heavy metals) in all hay samples were in the range according to regulations. Botanical analysis has confirmed the presence of plants with high yield and of high nutritive value. Chemical analyses of hay samples originating from Fruška Gora has pointed out that the level of crude proteins, cellulose, fats, macro and trace elements can completely satisfy the requirements of animals in organic farming and therefore can present a solid base for further development of organic dairy farming.