Effect of Insect Pests Infestation on the Quality of some Forage Crops

Insect-pests damage to forage crops resulted in lowering down the quality of the infested crops. Lucerne weevil (Hypera postica) caused do na average 16.5% reduction in CP content in different varieties of lucerne, but it did not significantly affect IVDMD. Leaf miner incidence showed decreased amount in both CP and IVDMD values of the infested samples of berseem, shaftal and lucerne. Cabbage semi-Iooper infestation did not reflect much on the chemical composition of berseem and shaftal fodders. Amaranthus borer incidence resulted In 21.5% decrease in CP of leaves and 12.0% reduction in ears of infested plants as compared with that of normal plants.