Evaluation of the grazing potential of grass species in Tarchonanthus veld of the northern cape 1 |
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| Authors: | JH Fourie DPJ Opperman BR Roberts |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Agriculture (Free State Region) , Private Bag X01, Glen, 9360;2. Department of Pasture Science , University of the Orange Free State , P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300;3. School of Applied Science , Darling Downs Institute , Toowoomba, Qld, 4350, Australia |
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| Abstract: | Abstract The grazing value of the seven most prominent grass species in Tarchonanthus‐limeveld was investigated from 1977 to 1981. The frequency of utilization of Chrysopogon serrulatus was exceptionally high (93%), while Sporobolus fimbriatus, Themeda triandra and Digitaria seriata were intermediate (50–60%) followed by Cymbopogon plurinodis (34%). Eragrotis lehmanniana and Fingerhuthia africana were poorly grazed (12 to 16%). The utilization of species was influenced by stocking rate. Statistical differences between species indicated a relatively high biomass production (600 to 740 g DM/m2 per year) for E. lehmanniana, C. plurinodis and T. triandra, while F. africana, S. fimbriatus and D. seriata were intermediate (320 to 420 g DM/m2 per year). E. lehmanniana, C. plurinodis and T. triandra produced the highest above‐ground phytomass, but had a lower crude protein content (2,9 to 7,4%) and digestibility (46,1 to 61,3%) than the other four species (3,8 to 9,7% crude protein and 50,5 to 68,4% digestibility). |
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| Keywords: | Biomass production crude protein content digestibility palatability |
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