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Publication Date
1977
Description
Improved forage quality is a feasible objective. Coastcross-1 bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., selected for high dry matter digestibility, has consistently enhanced the performance of the animals consuming it. Variation in quality factors of other species, particularly Paspalum notatum var. Saurae Parodi and Pennisetum americanum (L.) K. Schum., makes it possible to improve digestibility. Pearl millet varieties with improved animalproduction potential have been developed and released for farmer use. The varieties have been selected for higher digestibility and short stature, with reduced stem fractions. The assessment of the digestion of fresh forage permits evaluation of the effects of other factors, such as leaf surface and plant cell arrangement, on the digestibility of forages. Many techniques are currently available for evaluating forage quality, and these are constantly being refined. A primary requisite for progress is the availability of germplasm with sufficient variation to allow selection. The final criterion for improved forage quality must be the performance of animals consuming it.
Citation
Monson, Warren G.; Burton, Gkenn W.; and Hanna, Wayne W., "Evaluation of quality factors in warm season forages" (1977). IGC Proceedings (1977-2023). 34.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1977/sess2/34)
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Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Evaluation of quality factors in warm season forages
Improved forage quality is a feasible objective. Coastcross-1 bermudagrass, Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., selected for high dry matter digestibility, has consistently enhanced the performance of the animals consuming it. Variation in quality factors of other species, particularly Paspalum notatum var. Saurae Parodi and Pennisetum americanum (L.) K. Schum., makes it possible to improve digestibility. Pearl millet varieties with improved animalproduction potential have been developed and released for farmer use. The varieties have been selected for higher digestibility and short stature, with reduced stem fractions. The assessment of the digestion of fresh forage permits evaluation of the effects of other factors, such as leaf surface and plant cell arrangement, on the digestibility of forages. Many techniques are currently available for evaluating forage quality, and these are constantly being refined. A primary requisite for progress is the availability of germplasm with sufficient variation to allow selection. The final criterion for improved forage quality must be the performance of animals consuming it.
