Forage Quality of Tall Fescue across an Irrigation Gradient

• DOI: 10.2134/agronj2002.1337
• Publication Date: 2010-07-28T19:45:37Z
• Authors: Kay H. Asay; Kevin B. Jensen; Blair L. Waldron; Guodong Han; Douglas A. Johnson; Thomas A. Monaco
• Keywords: Neotyphodium; Festuca arundinacea; Neutral Detergent Fiber; Endophyte; Festuca; Growing season; Fodder

Water available for irrigating pastures in the western USA is often limited and varies widely across sites seasons. Objectives were to determine trends crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), vitro true digestibility (IVTD) of 10 cultivars tall fescue ( Festuca arundinaceae Schreb.) at five levels irrigation three harvest dates (early, mid‐, late season). A secondary objective was evaluate effect endophytic fungus [ Neotyphodium coenophialum (Morgan‐Jones & Gams) Glenn, Bacon Hanlin] on these trends. Cultivars differed significantly CP, NDF, IVTD, differences generally consistent water (WLs). Concentration CP increased a near linear manner (154–189 g kg −1 ) from highest lowest WL; however, total yield decreased 611 447 ha with less water, closely following trend forage yield. Forage quality late‐season harvest, as indicated by lower NDF higher IVTD values, compared WL. Also, all Presence or absence endophyte not associated CP; there tendency endophyte‐free cultivar have than its endophyte‐infected counterpart The magnitude among indicates that should be major consideration choice Intermountain region.