Nutritive value of Colorado range plants

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the nutritive value of some of the more important forage species grazed by livestock in various areas of Colorado. The samples were analyzed for energy, protein, cellulose, vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. The digestibility coefficients of the plants, protein, energy and cellulose were also determined by the in vivo nylon bag technique. All species studied were deficient in at least one of the elements analyzed at some phenological stages. The nutrient deficient at more growth stages than any other element was phosphorus. The next most deficient, based on nutritive requirement for gestation and maintenance was digestible protein. To assure that animals are not subjected to nutrient deficiencies a variety of plant species should be available for grazing so that a deficiency in one can be offset by an excess in another.

Citation

Taylor, John. 1972. Nutritive value of Colorado range plants. Fort Collins, CO: Colorado State University. p. 105. Thesis.