HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Figures Only Full Text Free Full Text (PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in ISI Web of Science Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via ISI Web of Science (1) Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Belesky, D. P. Articles by Ruckle, J. M. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Belesky, D. P. Articles by Ruckle, J. M. Agricola Articles by Belesky, D. P. Articles by Ruckle, J. M. Related Collections Forage Management

Forages

Prairiegrass–Brassica Hybrid Swards for Autumn Dry Matter Production

USDA-ARS, Appalachian Farming Syst. Res. Cent., 1224 Airport Rd., Beaver, WV 25813-9423

^* Corresponding author (david.belesky{at}ars.usda.gov)

Received for publication February 9, 2006. Stockpiling herbage can redistribute nutrient availability and supplement quantity for livestock, depending on production objectives. Brassicas (Brassica spp.) and improved prairiegrass (Bromus catharticus Vahl.) cultivars are adapted to growing conditions occurring in the Appalachian region and provide nutritionally valuable herbage in autumn; however, highly digestible brassica herbage may require supplementation with a fibrous companion species for efficient rumen microbe function and nutrient use by grazers. A prairiegrass–brassica hybrid [B. rapa L. x B. rapa subsp. pekinensis (Lour.) Hanelt.] mixture and pure stands of each were established to determine productivity and nutritive value of stockpiled stands in autumn. Field plots were established in late June of 2003 and 2004, and clipping began 74 and 63 d after planting, respectively. Prairiegrass co-established with brassica hybrid and could be harvested in the establishment year. Sown species and year interacted to influence stand composition, dry matter productivity, and nutritive value. Dry conditions occurred shortly after planting in 2003 and slowed brassica hybrid establishment and productivity. Total dry matter varied for monospecific and mixed stands of prairiegrass and brassica hybrid each year, as did distribution during the season. Nutritive value varied with years and met or exceeded values suggested for efficient rumen microbe function. Herbage growth continued for about 80 d after the first clip in early September for all sward types and demonstrated the compatibility of co-seeded prairiegrass and brassica hybrid as well as the suitability of the mixture to provide adequate herbage mass and nutritive value when stockpiled in autumn.

Abbreviations: CP, crude protein • DAP, days after planting • DM, dry matter • RNY, relative nutrient yield • RY, relative yield • RYM, relative yield of mixture • TDN, total digestible nutrients • TNC, total nonstructural carbohydrate