The objective of this research was to evaluate the nutritive value of the forage of 12 genotypes of six double purpose (forage and grains) winter cereal species submitted to harvest in the region of Depressão Central in Rio Grande do Sul state. The species and genotypes tested were: wheat (BRS 277, BRS Guatambu, BRS Tarumã and BRS Umbu); black oat (Agro Zebu, UPFA 21 - Moreninha and Commom black-oat); white-oat (UPF 18); rye (BR 1 and BRS Serrano); barley (BRS Marciana); and triticale (BRS 148). The genotypes were distributed in 36 experimental plots in completely randomized experimental design, with 12 treatments and three replications. Analysis of nutritive value and mineral composition were performed by the near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in samples of stratum greater than 10 cm height of forage. Oat genotypes and BRS Umbu wheat presented the best nutritive value results. Mineral composition presented small variability among the genotypes tested. The results demonstrate that winter cereals produce high nutritive value forage.
annual pastures; chemical composition; livestock-crop production system; NIRS
