Nutrient Content and in situ Disappearance in Genotypes of Buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.)

Abstract

Morales-Rodriguez, R., Ramírez, R. G., García-Dessommes, G. J. and González-Rodríguez, H. 2006. Nutrient content and in situ disappearance of genotypes of buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.). J. Appl. Anim. Res., 29: 17–22. The aim of the study was to evaluate and to compare the dry matter production (DMP), chemical composition and in situ disappearance of dry matter (ISDDM), crude protein (ISDCP) and cell wall (ISDNDF) of 78 genotypes of buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) recently introduced to Mexico. In addition, mineral content and potential intake of minerals by cattle consuming these genotypes was determined. Grasses were collected at the end of the autumn. The DMP (1–6 ton ha1), crude protein (6–9%), ash (11–18%), cell wall (67–79%), cellulose (38–44%), hemicellulose (20–31%), lignin (4–9%), insoluble ash (2–6%), ISDDM (50–62%), ISDCP (53–74%) and ISDNDF (46–62%) were significantly different among genotypes. With exception of one genotype all had sufficient protein to fulfill grazing growing cattle needs, whereas, digestible energy content of all grasses fulfilled the maintenance requirements of growing cattle. All grasses had Ca, Mg, K and Fe in sufficient amounts to meet maintenance requirements of a cow weighing 400 kg. However, P, Na and Mn in all grasses and Zn and Mn in some genotypes were lower. Because of their superior DMP and good nutritional quality, genotypes identified as PI409377, PI409472, PI409373, PI409155 and PI409529 may be considered with higher potential to be used as good rain fed forages for grazing cattle.