The digestibility of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) in relation to season and proportion of the diet of sheep

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Abstract
Digestibility trials were carried out to study the digestibility of Rhodes grass fed alone and in mixed concentrate diets. Twelve Awassi rams were used to examine the seasonal effect on the digestibility of Rhodes grass harvested at 21-day intervals.A consistent increase in the content of crude protein up to the 6th harvest was observed, being accompanied by an increase in crude protein digestibility and voluntary feed intake.In the second experiment Rhodes grass and concentrate mixed diets were examined. Sixteen Awassi rams were allocated to four diets which included 16, 32, 52 and 100% Rhodes grass. Dry-matter digestibility was found significantly different between the all-grass diet and the rest. The digestibility of crude fibre in the whole diet decreased significantly with the increase in concentrate content. The digestibility of crude fibre of Rhodes origin was calculated. It appears that the detrimental effect of concentrate on the digestibility of crude fibre of Rhodes grass origin is limited. This finding is supported by the high C2/C3 ratios in rumen liquor which were maintained up to 68% concentrate in the diet.This study indicates that Rhodes grass may serve as a highly efficient roughage component in dairy rations.