CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF RANGE FORAGE PLANTS OF THE FESTUCA SCABRELLA ASSOCIATION

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Abstract
Samples of the principal range forage plants of the Festuca scabrella association were analysed for crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash, calcium, phosphorus, and carotene. Twenty grasses at five stages of growth and ten herbaceous and shrubby species at three stages of growth were studied.Percentages of crude protein and phosphorus of all species decreased with advancing maturity while crude fiber and calcium increased. Carotene content of the grasses also decreased with advancing maturity but that of forbs and shrubs did not show a regular pattern. Forbs and shrubs were higher in crude protein, phosphorus, and carotene than the grasses at all stages of growth. Seasonal declines in percentages of crude protein and phosphorus were closely paralleled by a decline in the liveweight gains of cows grazing on these ranges throughout a 6-month grazing season. Because ample feed was available it appeared that quality rather than quantity of feed was responsible. The low phosphorus content of winter herbage indicated that a phosphorus supplement should be fed to range cattle during the winter and early spring month.

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