Intake and Digestibility Of, and Performance by Cattle Grazing, Cynodon Varieties

Laboratory and digestion studies evaluated the nutritional value of the commercially available stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst var. nlemfuensis), 'Ona', two experimental stargrasses, 'Florona' and 'Florico', and the experimental bermudagrass 'Callie 35-3' (Cynodon dactylon). Ona and Florico stargrasses were also evaluated under grazing. Florico stargrass had the lowest concentration of acid detergent lignin (ADL) and was highest in in vitro organic matter digestion (IVOMD), while 'Callie 35-3' bermudagrass was highest in ADL and lowest in IVOMD. Callie 35-3 bermudagrass had the lowest voluntary intake, with no differences among the stargrasses. In vivo organic matter and fiber digestibilities of the Callie 35-3 bermudagrass were lowest, with no differences among the stargrasses. Florico stargrass pastures supported greater daily gain by cattle, greater beef production per acre, and had a greater number of grazing days than Ona stargrass pastures. Stargrass pastures fertilized with 160 lb N/acre had a greater number of grazing days and supported greater beef production per acre than pastures fertilized with 80 lb N/acre. Florona and Florico stargrass varieties were similar in feeding value to Ona as a conserved forage, while Florico was superior to Ona under grazing conditions. Callie 35-3 bermudagrass was lower in nutritional value than the three stargrass varieties tested.