The grazing value of the seven most prominent grass species in Tarchonanthus?limeveld was investigated from 1977 to 1981. The frequency of utilization of Chrysopogon serrulatus was exceptionally high (93%), while Sporobolus fimbriatus, Themeda triandra and Digitaria seriata were intermediate (50?60%) followed by Cymbopogon plurinodis (34%). Eragrotis lehmanniana and Fingerhuthia africana were poorly grazed (12 to 16%). The utilization of species was influenced by stocking rate. Statistical differences between species indicated a relatively high biomass production (600 to 740 g DM/m2 per year) for E. lehmanniana, C. plurinodis and T. triandra, while F. africana, S. fimbriatus and D. seriata were intermediate (320 to 420 g DM/m2 per year). E. lehmanniana, C. plurinodis and T. triandra produced the highest above?ground phytomass, but had a lower crude protein content (2,9 to 7,4%) and digestibility (46,1 to 61,3%) than the other four species (3,8 to 9,7% crude protein and 50,5 to 68,4% digestibility).
Journal articles from the Grassland Society of Southern Africa (GSSA) African Journal of Range and Forage Science as well as related articles and reports from throughout the southern African region.