Characterization of season and sampling method effects on measurement of forage quality in fescue-based pastures

Journal of Animal Science
T M DubbsC M Howlett

Abstract

Information on seasonal changes and effects of sampling methods on the measurement of forage quality is limited for fescue-based pastures. Eight continuously grazed, 0.76-ha, fescue-based pastures were used to compare forage type, method of collection, and seasonal effects on forage quality in a repeated-measures, split-plot design. Four pastures were interseeded with red clover in March 2000. Masticate (M; from four ruminally cannulated steers) and hand--clipped (C) samples were collected every 28 d from April to October 2000. Interseeding red clover did not affect (P > 0.10) OM, CP, NDF, and ADF concentrations or CP degradability. Sampling method and season interacted (P < 0.03) for OM, CP, NDF, and ADF concentrations. Concentrations of OM averaged 5 percentage units more (P < 0.01) in C than in M in all months and were more variable with M than with C. Samples clipped between April and September averaged 5.5 percentage units greater NDF (P < 0.01), 3.0 percentage units greater ADF (P < 0.01), and 4.5 percentage units less CP (P < 0.01) than masticate samples obtained during the same time period. Fiber and CP concentrations did not differ (P > 0.10) between C and M samples obtained in October. Differences in CP degradability ...Continue Reading

References

Nov 1, 1995·Journal of Animal Science·J C ForcherioM R Ellersieck
Nov 1, 1996·Journal of Animal Science·E S VanzantG St Jean
Nov 14, 1998·Journal of Animal Science·E S VanzantE C Titgemeyer
Mar 9, 1999·Journal of Dairy Science·W K CoblentzJ E Turner
Oct 6, 1999·Journal of Dairy Science·J C ElizaldeD B Faulkner
Nov 24, 1999·Journal of Animal Science·N E Obispo, B A Dehority

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