Comparison of the Digestible Dry Matter Harvest from Orchardgrass and Bromegrass Pastures by Grazing Cows

Summary A comparison of the yield of total dry matter and digestible dry matter from orchardgrass and bromegrass pasture plots was made during the pasture seasons of 1957 and 1958. Both grass species were seeded at the same time (August, 1955) and given identical subsequent management. The yields were determined by measuring the total harvests grazed by cows for each season. A combination of fecal chromogens and chromium sesquioxide indicators was employed. Determinations of yield were made at approximately 2-wk. intervals throughout the pasture seasons. The yield of dry matter from the bromegrass plots was 85.6 and 85.0% of that from the orchardgrass in 1957 and 1958, respectively. There was also a significant difference in digestibility favoring the orchardgrass. The stand of orchardgrass was maintained well throughout the trials, whereas only a poor stand of bromegrass survived.