Publication Date
1985
Location
Kyoto Japan
Description
The relationship between pasture sward structure and animal intake of digestible dry matter is not well understood. To aid in developing an understanding of the plant-animal interface, flaccidgrass (Pennisetum flaccidum Griseb.) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) swards were harvested and stratified by cutting them into 5-cm layers. Strate began 5-cm above the soil and continued to the extended height of the sward. The strate were separated into leaf blade, stem, and dead material. Samples were analyzed for dry weight and in vitro dry matter disappearance {IVDMD). Esophageal sample analysis showsd steers consumed leaf material even in swards with 50% of the dry matter partitioned as stem. Forage marked with chromium showed switchgrass had a higher {p < 0.1) rate of digesta flow than flaccidgrass with a mean forage residence time of 6 hour less (p > 0.1). However, both digesta flow and residence time were considered of biological importance being associated with higher dry matter intake, digestible intake, and fecal output. Results with these species indicate that traditional methods of sampling do not account for selective grazing of available forage and underestimate the digestibility of consumed dry matter.
Citation
Fisher, D S.; Pond, K R.; Burns, J C.; Mochrie, R D.; and Timothy, D H., "Selection, Mastication, and Digestive Tract Response of Cattle to Plant Canopy and Composition" (1985). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 21.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1985/ses11/21)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Selection, Mastication, and Digestive Tract Response of Cattle to Plant Canopy and Composition
Kyoto Japan
The relationship between pasture sward structure and animal intake of digestible dry matter is not well understood. To aid in developing an understanding of the plant-animal interface, flaccidgrass (Pennisetum flaccidum Griseb.) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) swards were harvested and stratified by cutting them into 5-cm layers. Strate began 5-cm above the soil and continued to the extended height of the sward. The strate were separated into leaf blade, stem, and dead material. Samples were analyzed for dry weight and in vitro dry matter disappearance {IVDMD). Esophageal sample analysis showsd steers consumed leaf material even in swards with 50% of the dry matter partitioned as stem. Forage marked with chromium showed switchgrass had a higher {p < 0.1) rate of digesta flow than flaccidgrass with a mean forage residence time of 6 hour less (p > 0.1). However, both digesta flow and residence time were considered of biological importance being associated with higher dry matter intake, digestible intake, and fecal output. Results with these species indicate that traditional methods of sampling do not account for selective grazing of available forage and underestimate the digestibility of consumed dry matter.
