Evaluation of the grazing potential of grass species in Tarchonanthus veld of the Northern Cape.

Abstract

The grazing value of the seven most prominent grass species in Tarchonanthus-limeveld was investigated from 1977 to 1981. The frequency of utilisation of Chrysopogon serrulatus was exceptionally high (93%) while Sporobolus fimbriatus, Themeda triandra and Digitaria seriata were intermediate (50-60%) followed by Cymbopogon plurinodis (34%). Eragrostis lehmanniana and Fingerhuthia africana were poorly grazed (12 to 16%). The utilisation of species was influenced by stocking rate. Statistical differences between species indicated a relatively high biomass production (600 to 740g dm/m2 per year) for E. lehmanniana, C. plurinodis and T. triandra, while F. africana, S. fimbriatus and D. seriata were intermediate (320 to 420g dm/m2 per year). E. lehmanniana, C. plurinodis and T. triandra produced the highest above-ground phytomass, but had a lower crude protein content (2,9 to 7,4%) and digestibility (46,1 to 61,3%)than the other four species (3,8 to 9,7% crude protein and 50,5 to 68,4% digestibility).

Keywords: above-ground phytomass; biomass production; chrysopogon serrulatus; crude protein content; cymbopogon plurinodis; digestibility; digitaria seriata; eragrostis lehmanniana; fingerhuthia africana; grasses; northern cape; palatability; phytomass; south africa; sporobolus fimbriatus; stocking rate; themeda triandra; veld

Journal of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa.