Effect of Cutting Time on the Chemical Composition of Meadow Grasses

t were collected on July 1st, 15th, and 30th. The samples were analyzed for green herbage yield, dry herbage yield, crude protein, acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and ash content. The findings indicated that dry herbage yield increased with delayed cutting time, whereas crude protein content decreased. The lowest ADF and NDF values were recorded on July 15th, suggesting higher digestibility of the forage harvested on that date. Ash content increased as the cutting date was delayed. Based on the results, it is recommended that a balance between yield and quality should be maintained, and the optimal cutting time for maximizing forage quality is around mid-July.