Holden et al. compared the nutrient composition of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) to that of Grasslands Puna chicory (Cichorium intybus) under 3 management intensities. Puna chicory had greater degradable protein and lower acid-detergent fibers and neutral-detergent fibers than orchardgrass at all management levels. Managing Puna chicory for lower canopy heights increased crude, degradable, and soluble protein compared to other management levels. Therefore, Puna chicory is of suitable quality for livestock use and may even enhance livestock performance when supplemented to orchardgrass diets, however, the sustainable levels of chicory use and diet composition for maximum animal performance need to be investigated further before management practices involving chicory grazing are implemented.
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