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Evaluation of Kentucky 31, G1-306, G1-306 and Kenhy Tall Fescue as Pasture for Yearling Steers I. Forage Composition¹

University of Kentucky^,6, Lexington 40506

Abstract

Four varieties (selections) of tall fescue were evaluated with regard to forage composition during the spring-summer grazing season (late March to early September). All forages were first-year stands of pure tall fescue managed to provide optimum forage quality. The four tall fescues used were Kentucky 31, Gl-306, Gl-307 and Kenhy. Gl-306 and Gl-307 are rye grass x tall fescue (Festuca arundinacae Schreb-Lolium perenne L.) hybrids selected for high- and low-perloline content, respectively. Acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were similar for all varieties of tall fescue. Perloline content was 172.9, 432.0, 66.5 and 164.2 µg/g for Kentucky 31, Gl-306, Gl-307 and Kenhy, respectively. Perlolidine followed similar patterns, with Gl-306 being highest (P<.01). Mean perlolidine levels were 115.7, 257.7, 50.0 and 165.8 µg/g for the four tall fescues, respectively. ADF and NDF were positively correlated (r=.86) as were perloline and perlolidine (r=.71) and Al and Fe (r=.90). Crude protein content was 17.6, 18.4, 16.8 and 16.7% for Kentucky 31, Gl-306, Gl-307 and Kenhy, respectively. Kenhy was lower (P<.01) than the other three fescues in phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na) and manganese (Mn). Differences observed in potassium (K), copper (Cu), or strontium (Sr) content owing to variety were not significant. Kenhy was lower (P<.10) in magnesium (Mg) than Gl-306. Gl-306 was higher (P<.01) than Kentucky 31 and Kenhy in iron (Fe), with no difference between Gl-306 and Gl-307. Gl-307 was higher (P<.01) in Fe content than Kentucky 31. Gl-306 was higher (P<.01) in boron (B) and tended to be higher in selenium (Se) than Kentucky 31, Gl-307 or Kenhy. Zinc (Zn) was higher (P<.01) in Gl-306 than Kenhy. Aluminum (Al) content was lower (P<.01) in Ky 31. Barium (Ba) content was highest (P<.01) for Gl-306. Complete data for each variety of tall fescue by collection date are presented to provide composition information which is not presently reported in the literature.

¹ This paper (77-5-3-149) is published with die approval of the Director of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station.This paper (77-5-3-149) is published with die approval of the Director of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station.

² Present address: University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583.

³ Department of Agronomy and SEA-USDA. Lexington, KY.

⁴ Department of Agronomy

⁵ The authors appreciate the analyses for selenium which were conducted by Dr. M. C. Bell, University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

⁶ The authors appreciate the analyses for selenium which were conducted by Dr. M. C. Bell, University of Tennessee, Knoxville.