A comparison of the nutritive values of early and late varieties of timothy

In vitro digestibility, fibre, lignin and protein were determined in 50 varieties of timothy differing markedly in maturity date. The grasses were field‐grown as single plants and were sampled at 10% ear emergence, 30% flowering and the mature seed stage and were compared in four groups according to date of ear emergence. Significant differences were found between maturity groups in digestibility and protein concentration particularly at the earlier growth stages. Considerable variation also occurred within maturity groups. Differences in digestibility, fibre, lignin and protein were significantly correlated with the number of days between 30 April and harvest date. The results are discussed in the context of an appropriate evaluation scheme for timothy varieties.