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Influence of Collection Method on Nutrient Content, Mineral Composition and in Vitro Digestibility of Kikuyugrass Pasture¹

University of Hawaii, Honolulu 96822

Abstract

Nutrient content, mineral composition and in vitro digestibility of kikuyugrass (Pennisetum clandestinum) collected by three methods, esophageal fistula, hand-plucking or clipping, were compared and evaluated. Plant fractions consisted of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF), ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), permanganate lignin (L) and cellulose (C). Minerals analyzed included P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, S, Si, Al, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn. All values except those for ash were expressed on both DM and organic matter bases. Digestibility was measured in terms of in vitro DM disappearance (IVDMD) and in vitro organic matter disappearance (IVOMD). Differences (P>.01) between samples collected by the three methods were noted for all chemical components measured, except EE. DM content of esophageal samples was lower than that of either hand-plucked or clipped samples. CP content was in the order esophageal > plucked > clipped. The ash content of esophageal samples was greater than that of plucked or clipped samples. The CF, NDF, ADF, L and C contents were in the order clipped > plucked > esophageal. Values expressed on an organic matter basis were slightly higher than those expressed on a DM basis, but identical trends in differences between collection methods were maintained throughout. The P and Na contents of esophageal samples were greater (P<.01) than those of either plucked or clipped samples. K content of esophageal samples was less than that of clipped samples. No significant differences in Ca and Cu contents were detected between samples collected by the three methods. Mg, Mn and Zn contents were highest in esophageal samples, followed by plucked and clipped samples. S and Si contents of esophageal and plucked samples were less than those of clipped samples, while Al and Fe contents were greater than those of clipped samples. Mineral contents were slightly higher when expressed on an organic matter basis than when expressed on a DM basis, but similar trends were noted in both cases. IVDMD and IVOMD were greater (P<.01) for esophageal samples than for plucked and clipped samples. IVOMD was slightly lower than IVDMD, but differences between collection methods followed identical trends.

¹ Journal Ser. No. 2514 of the Hawaii Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

² Dept. of Anim. Sci.

³ Dept. of Agron. and Soil Sci.