Creeping bluestem (Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash.) is a rhizomatous native grass that is the dominant species on many Florida rangelands. To evaluate its grazing potential, dry matter yield, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL), were measured in plants cut at 10 and 20 cm stubble heights during 70-day intervals from June to October (summer), August to December (summer-fall), and October to February (winter). Winter yields were significantly greater (2,090 kg/ha) than summer yields (1,600 kg/ha) with summer-fall yields intermediate (1,860 kg/ha). After 3 years there was a significant decline in dry matter in plants cut at 10 cm, but yield was sustained in plants cut at 20 cm. Herbage regrowth in July to August was high in IVOMD (37.8%). Crude protein and IVOMD percentages were also greater in November to December regrowth (7.5 and 36%, respectively) and January to February regrowth (6.8 and 37%, respectively). However, since forage yield was lowest at the time, yield of protein and digestible organic matter were lowest. Percent NDF, ADF, and ADL were not greatly affected by initial growth or regrowth periods and averaged 80.0, 42.3 and 5.8%, respectively. Creeping bluestem may be one of Florida's greater yielding native grasses, but will require protein and energy supplements to provide good livestock performance. This material was digitized as part of a cooperative project between the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. The Journal of Range Management archives are made available by the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. Contact lbry-journals@email.arizona.edu for further information. Migrated from OJS platform August 2020
Scholarly peer-reviewed articles published by the Society for Range Management. Access articles on a rolling-window basis from vol. 1, 1948 up to 5 years from the current year. Formerly Journal of Range Management (JRM). More recent content is available by subscription from SRM.