The objective ofthis research was to evaluate the nutritive value of the forage of 12 genotypesof six double purpose (forage and grains) winter cereal species submitted toharvest in the region of Depressão Central in Rio Grande do Sul state.The species and genotypes tested were: wheat (BRS 277, BRS Guatambu, BRS Tarumãand BRS Umbu); black oat (Agro Zebu, UPFA 21 - Moreninha and Commom black-oat);white-oat (UPF 18); rye (BR 1 and BRS Serrano); barley (BRS Marciana); and triticale(BRS 148). The genotypes were distributed in 36 experimental plots in completelyrandomized experimental design, with 12 treatments and three replications. Analysisof nutritive value and mineral composition were performed by the near infraredspectroscopy (NIRS) in samples of stratum greater than 10 cm height of forage.Oat genotypes and BRS Umbu wheat presented the best nutritive value results.Mineral composition presented small variability among the genotypes tested.The results demonstrate that winter cereals produce high nutritive value forage.
