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Structural Inhibitors of Big and Little Bluestem Digestion Observed by Scanning Electron Microcopy^{1 ,2,}

Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506

Abstract

Scanning electron micrographs of Andropogon gerardi (big bluestem) and Andropogon scoparius (little bluestem) showed leaf surfaces characterized by a waxy cutin and repeating rows of phytoliths, trichomes and stomata. Rumen microorganisms attacked unmasticated leaves on exposed edges and ruptured surfaces with varying degrees of degradation, depending on leaf maturity and fermentation time. Leaf surfaces containing phytoliths were not degraded by the rumen microorganisms. Mastication and (or) digestion appears to have little effect on phytoliths as most remain intact on leaves taken from esophageal and fecal samples. The adaxial and abaxial surfaces appear to have sufficient amounts of siliceous deposits or cutin, or both, to restrict microbial attack of those surfaces.

¹ Contribution No. 520-J, Department of Animal Sciences and Industry; and No. 1612-J, Department of Agronomy, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station.

² The authors are grateful to Dr. C. W. Pitts and L. J. Krchma, SEM Laboratory, Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, for the photomicrographs.

³ Present address: Southeast Area Extension Office, Chanute, KS 66720.