Chemical composition and in vitro ruminal DM degradability of native pasture grasses and their plant parts

Abstract

The study was designed to determine the effects of various native grass species viz., Themeda triandra, Eragrostis superba, Panicum maximum and Fingerhuthia africana harvested at maturity stage and their different parts viz., leaves, stems, seed heads and whole plant on chemical composition and in vitro ruminal dry matter degradability (DMD). Seed heads of P. maximum had the highest (P<0.05) CP content (124.6 g/kg DM) than the other grass species. Leaves of all the grass species had the highest DMD compared to other plant parts. Grass species containing high CP showed an increase in degradability despite a high value of cell wall constituents. Mineral contents of the four grass species studied were below the recommended levels to meet nutrient requirements of cattle and sheep. Therefore, despite the high CP content of these grass species, supplementation is essential for ruminants in high production stages, particularly those fed these grass species as a basal diet.