Yield and Quality Components of Six Grass Species

Abstract

Management of warm season perennial grasses in south Texas can be improved if seasonal fluctuations in nutritional quality and productivity are documented. The objectives of this study were to determine the phenological changes in nutritional quality and productivity of Bell rhodesgrass (Chloris gayana (Kunth)), buffelgrass (Cenchrus cilsris L.), Kleberg bluestem (Dichanthium annulatum (Stapf)), kleingrass (Panicum coloratum L.CV. 75), and Callie and common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.). Samples were analyzed for crude protein (CP), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), neutral detergenet fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), permanganate lignin (PL) and dry matter yield (DM). Average DM ranged from 1.03 (common bermudagrass) to 3.62 (buffelgrass) tons per acre. All of the grass species tested were below 7% CP during February and August. The IVDMD and CP% of all species were higher while ADF, NDF and PL were lower in the spring. Results of this study indicate that buffelgrass is a desirable grass for this region.