In vitro digestibility and crude protein and mineral concentrations of guinea grass accessions in a humid tropical region of Puerto rico
Title:
In vitro digestibility and crude protein and mineral concentrations of guinea grass accessions in a humid tropical region of Puerto rico
Author:
Santana, Rafael Ramos McDowell, Lee R.
Appeared in:
Communications in soil science and plant analysis
Paging:
Volume 24 (1993) nr. 3-4 pages 325-334
Year:
1993-02
Contents:
The in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), crude protein (CP) content and mineral composition of ten Panicum maximum accessions were compared between seasons in Puerto Rico and evaluated in relation to grazing ruminants requirements. On short days, PRPI 13605 was superior (P<0.05) in IVOMD to all the other accessions. In terms of the CP content, accession PRPI 3634 was above 11% in both seasons, however, without differing (P>0.05) from most accessions. The mean macroelement content of the accessions was generally adequate in relation to grazing ruminant requirements with the exception of Na and Mg. Phosphorus was less than the critical concentration (0.25%) for one-half of the accessions in the short day season and 2 of 10 for the long day season. For all samples, Mn was high and Fe was generally adequate in relation to ruminant requirements. Most all samples contained deficient concentrations of Co, Cu, Se, and Zn. Forage Mo concentrations, therefore, did not result in conditioned Cu deficiencies. In this context, it is probable that Na, Se, Cu, Co, Zn, and perhaps Mg, will be needed even if intensive fertilization is practiced in the humid tropical region of Puerto Rico.
Journal description