The effects of the two rotation programs on the feed value of organic cottonseed

Summary

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of two different rotation programs on the crop yields and feed value (chemical composition and metabolizable energy values) in organic cottonseed cultivation. The crops used in the Rotation-I were Persian clover-silage maize, vetch/triticale mix stand-cotton (cottonseed) during 2014-2015 and 2016-2017. Rotation-II crops were: vetch/triticale mix stand-cotton (cottonseed), Persian clover-silage maize, during 2014-2015 and 2016-2017. The study was carried out in 2 different matched systems with 4 replications in the Menemen Plain in the Aegean Region of Turkey. In Rotation-I, significant differences in crop yield were found for Persian clover, maize silage and cottonseed with an increase of 3050 kg ha-1, 31740 kg ha-1 and 530 kg ha-1 between 2014-2015 and 2016-2017, respectively (p<0.05). The yield of maize silage yield increased significantly by 28840 kg ha-1 between 2014-2015 and 2016-2017 in Rotation–II (p<0.05), there was no significant yield change in the other crops. Crude ash, crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, nitrogen free extract and metabolizable energy values of organic cottonseed changed between years and rotations. The crude protein, ether extract and nitrogen free extract were significantly affected by two different rotation programs (p<0.05). There is a great need for investigation of organic animal feed crops as a protein source in local organic animal feed production to suit the climate and ecology of the country.