Chemical composition and rumen digestion of forage from kleingrass (panicum coloratum)

Abstract

This study evaluated and compared, seasonally, the nutrient content and effective degradability of dry matter (EDDM), crude protein (EDCP) and neutral detergent fiber (EDNDF) of the total plant, leaves and stems of kleingrass growing in Northeastern Mexico. Potential intake by cattle of minerals contained in the whole plant of kleingrass was also estimated. Plants were hand harvested in each season, in a 20ha rain fed pasture. Values of crude protein, Ca, P, K, Mg, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, EDDM, EDCP and EDNDF were significantly higher in spring than in other seasons. Conversely, cell wall and its components (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) were significantly lower in spring than in other seasons. Leaves resulted with significantly higher chemical composition and effective degradability of nutrients than stems. Whole plant concentrations of Ca, K and Fe (in all seasons); of Mg (except in winter); and of Zn and Mn (except in winter and summer) were sufficient to satisfy growing cattle requirements of these minerals. However, P, Na and Cu concentrations were low for cattle needs in all seasons. In this study, leaves had better nutritional quality than stems; in addition, rainfall and plant maturity influenced the nutritive quality and effective degradability of kleingrass.