Analysis of nutritional value of common used forages in the goat production area in Sichuan Province

Conventional nutrients and mineral elements of 12 common used forages (fresh grass,straw and silkworm） in five regions of Jianyang, Lezhi, Zigong, Nanjiang and Shuangliu in Sichuan Province were respectively measured in this study. The results showed that (1) Fresh grass and the silkworm had higher nutritional value compared with other forages. The crude protein contents in above forages were 13.94% and 13.03%, and crude fiber contents were 31.76% and 18.33%, so that they could be used as highquality forages for goats. The straw had lower nutritional value; its protein contents and crude fiber contents were 7.52% and 44.55% respectively. They could be used as supplements when the roughage was insufficient. (2) The contents of calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron in the forages were higher and could meet the basic requirements of animals. However, the additional phosphorus, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium should be supplemented due to be not enough for animal growth.