THE AGROECONOMIC VALUE OF REED CANARY GRASS, Phalaris arundinacea IN REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

Grasses are considered as one of the most important sources of feed for herbivorous animals and feedstock for renewable energy production. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the biomass quality (green mass, hay and haylage) from reed canary grass, Phalaris arundinacea, cv. Premier grown under the conditions of the Republic of Moldova. A rapid predictive method based on near-infrared spectroscopy (NIBS) was developed to measure crude protein (CP), ash, acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and total soluble sugars (ISS). The results of the research revealed that the harvested reed canary grass (first cut) contained 25.1-25.6% dry matter. The biochemical composition and energy value of prepared hay and haylage: 109-127 g/kg 92-95 g/kg ash, 417-443 g/kg ADF, 695-708 g/kg NDF, 28-44 g/kg ADL, 62-64 g/kg TSS, 54.4-56.4% digestible thy matter. 10.87-11.23 MJ/kg digestible energy, 8.91-9.22 MJ/kg metabolizable energy and 4.94-5.24 MJ/kg net energy for lactation. The biochemical methane potential of investigated Phalaris arundinacea biomass were 335-362 I/kg ODM. Reed canary grass, cv. Premier, produces high yields with optimal nutrient content. can be used as feed for ruminant animals, as well as substrate for the production of biomethane by anaerobic digestion.