21st Annual Student Research Conference
Evaluation of Different Grass Species for Replacement Summer Grazing of Cattle
John C. Duncan
Dr. Glenn R. Wehner, Faculty Mentor
The purpose of this research was to determine the difference between growth characteristics and maturity stage in situ digestion of two types of warm-season grass. The two types of grass in use were Red River Crabgrass and Eastern Gamagrass. These grasses were obtained and grown in two separate plots, using soil attained from the University Farm. A germination test was also performed on the different species. Days until germination and length of different maturities of the grasses were also determined. After germination of the plants took place, in situ digestions were performed using the fistulated steer at the University Farm. Dried samples of the grass types were also attained and nutritional composition data obtained from those samples. Results of the research will increase the bulk of knowledge concerning the appropriateness of these two grasses for cultivation and utilization in a sustainable rotational grazing system for the University Farm's cattle program.
Keywords: cattle, grass, Crabgrass, Gamagrass
Topic(s):Agricultural Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 14-2
Location: VH 1432
Time: 10:00