Effects of Maturing Stages on Chemical Composition for Feed and in vitro Dry Matter Digestibility of Triticale

Triticale(Moniko, Presto, Tewo), wheat(Kitami 66, Tsukisarnul, chihoku) and rye(Almo, Warko, Mardar) were harvested in heading, milk, dough and ripe stage. Effects of various harvesting stage on the feed chemical composition and in vitro digestibility(IVDMD) was investigated in these species and varieties. 1. Dry matter yield increased with advancing maturity regardless of forage species. Among the species triticale plants showed the highest yield. 2. The chemical composition of triticale plants in view of feed value generally placed between wheat and rye plants. 3. IVDMDs of triticale plants decreased from heading to dough stage and then increased at yellow ripe stage, while thoes of wheat and rye plants decreased with advancing maturity. Among plant species triticale. plants showed the highest IVDMD at heading and yellow ripe stage, while rye plants showed the lowest value throughout the maturity.