Chemical Composition, Palatability, and Digestibility of Ryegrass‐Tall Fescue Hybrids, ‘Kenwell’, and ‘Kentucky 31’ Tall Fescue Varieties1

Abstract

AbstractAn annual ryegrass‐tall fescue amphiploid hybrid, a (perennial ryegrass × tall fescue) × tall fescue backcross hybrid, ‘Kenwell,’ and Ky. 31 tall fescue were compared for digestibility, palatability, and chemical constituents thought to be related to nutritional quality of forages. The grasses were sampled during spring, summer and fall, 1963–1966.The amphiploid hybrid was higher in crude protein, total sugars, moisture, and in vitro digestibility and lower in silica and crude fiber than the backcross hybrid and tall fescue varieties.All chemical constituents were closely associated and influenced digestibility and palatability. Silica was positively associated with crude fiber and negatively related to protein, sugar, moisture, and digestibility.The grasses increased in soluble and decreased in structural cell constituents during the fall season. Sugar content may be a valuable criterion for evaluating the grasses studied for nutritional value in a breeding program.