Main Article Content
Seasonal chemical composition of wall barley (Hodreum murinum L.) under sub-humid Mediterranean climate
Abstract
Wall
barley (Hodreum murinum L.) is an annual cool-season
grass species that grows in areas with a Mediterranean climate.
It has potential as a forage source in Jordan. The objective
was to determine seasonal chemical composition of wall barley
grown under sub-humid Mediterranean conditions. A field trial
was conducted during 2000 and 2001 growing seasons at Samta
(32°23'N, 35°50'E) in the Ajloun Mountains, Jordan. Data were
collected on 28 February, 15 March, 30 March, 15 April and 15
May. The lowest fibre content of leaves was on 28 February and
15 March, with a range of 19.5% to 23.3%. Fibre content of leaves
(73.3%) and stems (79.9%) peaked when the plants were mature
(15 May). In contrast to fibre, the protein content decreased
gradually with age. Protein content of the leaves on 28 February
was 25%, after which it declined gradually and reached 2.9%
at maturity. The calcium content of the leaves was higher than
that of the stems and was sufficient to meet ewes' maintenance
requirements. The Ca content of leaves during the period from
28 February to 30 March was 1.2% to 1.1 %, whereas, the content
declined with age and reached the lowest value (0.01%) at maturity.
The phosphorus content did not show significant variation. It
is concluded that age and environmental conditions may affect
the nutritive value of wall barley.
African Journal of Range & Forage Science 2003, 20(3): 243–246
barley (Hodreum murinum L.) is an annual cool-season
grass species that grows in areas with a Mediterranean climate.
It has potential as a forage source in Jordan. The objective
was to determine seasonal chemical composition of wall barley
grown under sub-humid Mediterranean conditions. A field trial
was conducted during 2000 and 2001 growing seasons at Samta
(32°23'N, 35°50'E) in the Ajloun Mountains, Jordan. Data were
collected on 28 February, 15 March, 30 March, 15 April and 15
May. The lowest fibre content of leaves was on 28 February and
15 March, with a range of 19.5% to 23.3%. Fibre content of leaves
(73.3%) and stems (79.9%) peaked when the plants were mature
(15 May). In contrast to fibre, the protein content decreased
gradually with age. Protein content of the leaves on 28 February
was 25%, after which it declined gradually and reached 2.9%
at maturity. The calcium content of the leaves was higher than
that of the stems and was sufficient to meet ewes' maintenance
requirements. The Ca content of leaves during the period from
28 February to 30 March was 1.2% to 1.1 %, whereas, the content
declined with age and reached the lowest value (0.01%) at maturity.
The phosphorus content did not show significant variation. It
is concluded that age and environmental conditions may affect
the nutritive value of wall barley.
African Journal of Range & Forage Science 2003, 20(3): 243–246
