Grazing Evaluation of Big Bluestems Bred for Improved Forage Yield and Digestibility

• DOI: 10.2135/cropsci2004.0716
• Publication Date: 2005-09-24T00:34:22Z
• Authors: R. B. Mitchell; K. P. Vogel; T. J. Klopfenstein; B. E. Anderson; R. A. Masters
• Keywords: Neutral Detergent Fiber; Andropogon

Two big bluestem ( Andropogon gerardii Vitman) strains (Pawnee C3 and Kaw C3) developed by three breeding cycles for increased forage yield in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) were compared with the base populations of ‘Pawnee’ ‘Kaw’ a 3‐yr grazing trial. Pastures seeded May 1998 near Mead, NE. Experimental units 0.4‐ha pastures each strain or cultivar randomized complete block design. burned fertilized ammonium nitrate at 112 kg N ha −1 spring 2000, 2001, 2002 before grazing. Each pasture was continuously stocked crossbred yearling steers Bos taurus ) (380 ± 38 kg) mid‐June to provide stock density 7.5 Pawnee produced 16 7% more average daily gain (ADG), respectively, than during study. Additionally, 14 5% total body weight (BW) , populations. ADG 1.30 hd greater 455 BW drought period eastern Nebraska. available higher IVDMD, cell soluble, wall digestibility, lower lignin concentration forages from pastures. differed producing crude protein concentration. These results demonstrate productivity Great Plains document positive livestock response moderate increases IVDMD. The bred IVDMD provided as much 26% no additional cost. released Bonanza ‘Goldmine’.