Publication Date
1989
Description
The species and cultivars sown depends on the farming system practiced. These developing swards are however, always invaded by native species including Agrostis, Paa and Festuca spp. which are generally referred to as 'weed' grasses. While the merits of Lolium spp. are well documented (Minson et al. 1960; Norton, 1982) information on the weed grasses is limited (Haggar, 1976). The potential for milk and meat production is dependent on the supply of utilizable nutrients to the animal's tissues which in turn is largely governed by the ability of rumen microbes to degrade plant cell walls. Although the degradability of dry matter can be quantitatively determined using nylon bag methods, this gives no information on plant tissues that are resistant to microbial enzymes. Direct observation by microscopy of the degradation process has the potential to yield this valuable information. The objective of this work was to determine the degradability characteristics of different grasses at four stages of growth.
Citation
Halliday, L J., "Rumen Degradation of Various Grass Species at Different Stages of Growth" (2025). IGC Proceedings (1989-2023). 89.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1989/session7/89
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Rumen Degradation of Various Grass Species at Different Stages of Growth
The species and cultivars sown depends on the farming system practiced. These developing swards are however, always invaded by native species including Agrostis, Paa and Festuca spp. which are generally referred to as 'weed' grasses. While the merits of Lolium spp. are well documented (Minson et al. 1960; Norton, 1982) information on the weed grasses is limited (Haggar, 1976). The potential for milk and meat production is dependent on the supply of utilizable nutrients to the animal's tissues which in turn is largely governed by the ability of rumen microbes to degrade plant cell walls. Although the degradability of dry matter can be quantitatively determined using nylon bag methods, this gives no information on plant tissues that are resistant to microbial enzymes. Direct observation by microscopy of the degradation process has the potential to yield this valuable information. The objective of this work was to determine the degradability characteristics of different grasses at four stages of growth.
