Ruminal in situ disappearance kinetics of dry matter and fiber in growing steers for common crabgrass forages sampled on seven dates in northern Arkansas.

摘要: Southern crabgrass (Digitaria ciliaris [Retz.] Koel.) is often viewed as an undesirable weed, largely because it encroaches upon field and forage crops, gardens, lawns. However, visual observations of livestock grazing mixed-species pastures suggest that cattle seem to prefer many other summer forages. The objectives this study were assess the nutritive value sampled weekly between July 11, August 22, 2001, then determine ruminal in situ disappearance kinetics DM NDF for these A secondary objective was compare kinetic estimates with those alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers.), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) control hays. All forages evaluated using five (383 +/- 22.7 kg) ruminally cannulated crossbred (Gelbvieh x Angus Brangus) steers. Whole-plant exhibited more rapid (P < or = 0.002) rates (overall range 0.069 0.084 h(-1)) than did (0.054 (0.060 hays, but slower 0.001) hay (0.143 h(-1)). Effective greater 69.3 75.4%) all Similarly, 0.086 observed hays; however, disappeared at a faster rate (0.107 crabgrass. These results indicate offers effective degradability moderate quality. More importantly, potentially extensive perennial warm-season grasses typically found throughout southeastern United States, should likely support improved performance by ruminant region.