The influence of ruminant digestion on the germination of Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. Ex Chiov.

Abstract

Approximately half of the viable Pennisetum clandestinum seed fed to sheep was found to be viable after passing through the digestive system. 82% of the viable seed was excreted within 28 hours of ingestion with no viable seed being excreted after 52 hours after ingestion. These results have important implications for the dispersion of this species.

Keywords: digestion; dispersion; germination; ingestion; kikuyu; pennisetum clandestinum; seed; sheep; south africa