The study aims to evaluate the biomass production and nutrient content and silage quality of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne (L)), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata (L)) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea (Schreb)). Six varieties were used, two for each species. A completely randomized block designed replicated three times was conducted at University of Fort Hare Research Farm during 2014-2015 growing season. The plots were harvested at four-week interval (post emergency) for one year. Biomass yields were measured for fresh forage and dry matter yield. Duplicated samples were then dried, milled and analyzed for chemical and mineral composition (CP, NDF, ADF, and ash, Ca, P, K, Na, Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe) for only winter season. In addition the grasses were ensiled and the silage was analyzed for its fermentation parameters and nutrient content (lactic acid, pH, DM, CP, NDF, ADF, and ash, Ca, P, K, Na, Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe). Biomass results showed significant differences (P < 0.05) between season and varieties. On average Tall fescue varieties Jessup (13741.67 FM kg/ha), Alix (12007.78 FM kg/ ha) and Ryegrass varieties Samson (11597.22 FM kg/ha) and Nui (10591.67 FM kg/ha) had the highest fresh biomass yield. Similarly, Tall fescue varieties Jessup (2833.06 DM kg/ha) and Alix (2708.3 DM kg/ ha) and Ryegrass varieties Samson (2169.44 DM kg/ha) and Nui (2169.67 kg/ha) had the highest dry biomass yield. Throughout the year the average biomass yield was significantly different among species (P< 0.05). During summer and autumn Tall fescue varieties Jessup and Alix gave the highest dry matter yields of 3855.5 to 1977.8 DM kg/ha, and 3877.8 to 1900 DM kg/ha, respectively, and followed by Cocksfoot 2400 DM kg/ha. Ryegrass had the highest dry matter biomass yield in winter (2975 DM kg/ha) and the least in summer (977.75 DM kg/ha). There were no significant (P>0.05) differences on the chemical composition (CP, NDF, ADF, and ash) and mineral composition (Ca, P, K, Na, Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe) of the six varieties. The grass silage results showed significant differences (P< 0.05) among the six varieties for moisture content. Perennial ryegrass variety Nui (66.76 percent) had low moisture content than the other grass silages. The different varieties had no significant effects (P>0.05) on chemical composition (CP, NDF, ADF, and ash) and mineral composition (Ca, P, K, Na, Mn, Cu, Zn and Fe). It is concluded that the biomass production of the six varieties of three grass species was different throughout the year under irrigation hence Ryegrass and Tall fescue are recommended for dairy farmers in the region for all seasons. It can be concluded that there is no difference with respect to fermentation characteristics and nutrient content among the varieties of the grass species.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ufh/vital:27560 |
| Date | January 2016 |
| Creators | Tikwayo, Sizwe Edward |
| Publisher | University of Fort Hare, Faculty of Science & Agriculture |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis, Masters, MSc |
| Format | 107 leaves, pdf |
| Rights | University of Fort Hare |
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