A comparison between Digitaria eriantha Steud, subsp. eriantha (Smuts finger grass) and Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees (Weeping love grass) as hay for sheep.

Abstract

Hay from Smuts finger grass and weeping love grass was produced, using three fertiliser levels, viz 30kg N + 2,8kg P ha^–1; 90kg N + 8,3kg P ha^–1 and 150kg N + 13,8 kg P ha ^–1. All the treatments were cut for hay at two different stages viz during the piping stage and during the early mature stage, when inflorescences opened. The hay from these treatments was fed to groups of sheep, on a cafeteria system, to establish preferential intake, as well as to individual sheep to determine intake. The results showed that sheep preferred the hay of Smuts finger grass to that of weeping love grass. Fertiliser levels and stage of maturity had no definite influence on preference and on intake. A relationship between in vitro digestibility, and phosphorous content with preferential intake could be deduced. Weeping love grass is a popular hay crop but on the basis of results in this experiment, Smuts finger grass can also be recommended as a hay crop for sheep.

Keywords: cafeteria system; cutting stage; digestibility; digitaria eriantha; eragrostis curvula; fertilizer; grasses; hay; in vitro digestibility; intake; pastures; potchefstroom; preference; sheep; smuts fingergrass; south africa

Journal of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa.