Production dimension and potential of permanent grasslands of Romania in relation to animals growth

Permanent grassland is part of the national land heritage, the destination of which can never be changed. The current surface of Romania's permanent grasslands is estimated at 4.81 million hectares, representing 20% of the country's surface area and 34% of the agricultural area, surface that increased by 9% compared to 1990. Romania's permanent grasslands are found in all the altitude zones, from the Black Sea shore to the alpine peaks, being permanently under the influence of the natural factors of these areas (soil, slope, altitude, exposition, etc.), resulting in a decrease in the degree of use of the resulting phytomass as animal feed. Thus, it is estimated that out of the total area of grassland about 17% (780 thousand hectares) are affected by natural limiting factors. Bovines are found in 50% in the plain area, 30% in the hill area and 20% in the mountain area. Sheep and goats are found in the highest proportion in the hill area (40%), followed by the plain and mountain areas by 30%. In the current situation of the distribution of ruminant animals, on relief areas, except for hill and mountain meadows where there is a green mass overflow in these areas, the largest green mass deficit is found in the plains (75%)

Forage chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) - pretability in crops and effects in ruminants feeding REVIEW

During the last years an increasing attention has been focused on chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) use in ruminant’s nutrition. Chicory is a perennial plant that is suited to well-drained or moderately drained soils, with medium to high fertility levels and a pH of 5.5 or upper. Chicory has a comparable nutritional value to alfalfa, containing similar proportions of proteins, lipids, minerals and other nutrients. It has a relatively deep taproot, which provides tolerance to drought conditions. Furthermore, due to the drought resistance it is suitable for cultivation in areas with deficit of moisture. The aim of the current study was focused on the chemical composition and nutritive value of chicory, as well as the possibility of using it in different plants mixture in cattle feeding, as an alternative source of feed