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Symposium on Forage Utilization: Effects of Fertility Levels and Stage of Maturity on Forage Nutritive Value¹

Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg

Abstract

Forages from perennial plants do not supply enough energy to maximize animal output. Digestible protein of well managed forages is often higher than needed for maximum animal output.

Reduced feeding values with advances in growth stage are attributed to: (1) decreased consumption and (2) decreased digestible energy. The reductions in digestible energy are associated with: (1) increases in structural carbohydrates and lignification, (2) reduction in soluble carbohydrates in some forages, and (3) a reduction in digestible protein when it is used for energy.

Nitrogen fertilization of grasses has given large increases in carrying capacity and livestock products per acre; however, outputs per animal are not generally improved by nitrogen applications. Nitrogen fertilization improves the protein content and its apparent digestibility, but the cellulose or crude fiber content and lignification are not generally altered. The soluble carbohydrates (sugars and starch or fructosan) are reduced in forages with added nitrogen. Thus, the TDN and/or digestible energy of grass forage is not appreciably altered by nitrogen fertilization.

There is a need for developing forages high in energy value for ruminants.

¹ Presented at the Joint Session of the Animal Science, Dairy and Agronomy Sessions at the Annual Meeting of the Association of Southern Agricultural Workers, Jacksonville, Florida, February 5, 1962.

² Professor of Agronomy, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia.

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