Effect of clipping intensity on forage production and quality of Morus alba L. during the summer period

In the Mediterranean zone woody fodder species are important feed sources, especially during the summer-autumn period when herbaceous species are quantitatively and qualitatively limited. The effect of different clipping intensity of the current growth (30% and 60%) compared to control (0%) on production and quality of Morus alba foliage (leaves and twigs) was studied. The clipping conducted at three different periods in the end of May, in the middle of July and in the end of August. Forage production of the 60% clipping intensity was significantly higher (P≤ 0.05) compared to the 30%, while there was no difference in forage quality between the two treatments.