Agronomic studies on chou moellier (Brassica oleracea L.): III. The effect of thinning on the digestibility and palatability of chou moellier

The composition, apparent digestibility, and palatability of unthinned, 6 in. thinned, and 12 in. thinned chou moellier (Brassica oleracea L.) were compared in feeding trials with sheep. Thinning had little effect on the composition and feed constituent digestibility of the chou moellier. Similarly, the effect on the total digestible nutrient, starch equivalent, and digestible crude protein values and on the nutritive ratio was slight. As determined by the fresh and dry matter intakes of sheep, thinning had no effect on the palatability of the material. It was concluded that under the conditions of these trials, thinning was not justified.