Preliminary evaluation of Sporobolus fimbriatus as planted pasture in the central Orange Free State.

Abstract

The potential of Sporobolus fimbriatus as a planted pasture was evaluated in terms of relative growth rate, cumulative growth, dry matter production, grazing capacity, leaf:stem ratio and quality (crude protein and digestibility). he growth pattern is typical of a tropical grass. The mean dry matter production under a non-grazing and grazing regime was 3 329 kg/ha and 2 720 kg/ha respectively. The mean grazing capacity was 4, 22 ha/LSU/yr. The leaf:stem ratio varied considerably between season and was more favourable under a non-grazing regime. Both the crude protein content and digestibility of selected material satisfy the nutritional requirements of the grazing ruminant.

Keywords: afrikaans; crude protein; crude protein content; digestibility; dry matter production; glen agricultural development institute; grasses; grazing capacity; growth cycle; growth rate; orange free state; relative growth; relative growth rate; south africa; sporobolus fimbriatus; tropical grass