Yield,in vitro digestibility,crude protein,and mineral concentration of eight Digitaria introductions in Puerto rico

Abstract

Dry matter (DM) yield, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), crude protein (CP) and mineral composition of eight Digitaria accessions were compared between long‐ and short‐day seasons in the semiarid southern region of Puerto Rico and evaluated in relation to grazing ruminant requirements. Digitaria milanjiana 6416 was consistently among the highest DM yielding accessions in both seasons. The mean IVOMD was similar in both seasons for most accessions. Concentrations of CP, magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), and selenium (Se) were below the recommended levels for grazing ruminants in both seasons. This study suggests the need for livestock mineral supplementation, even under conditions of high pasture fertilization (NPK) and forage‐growing conditions in the semiarid southern region of Puerto Rico.