Canopy characterization and nutritive value of stockpiled ‘Floralta’ limpograss

Abstract

Limpograss [Hemarthria altissima (Poir.) Stapf and C. E. Hubb.] has been gaining ground in beef cattle production as a stockpiling option. This study evaluated canopy characteristics of stockpiled pastures of limpograss cultivar Floralta over two cool seasons. Treatments included canopy layers (upper third, middle, lower third) and plant fractions (leaf and stem) arranged in a randomized split block design. There were 12 paddocks (blocks) with 1.2 ha each. Response variables included forage mass, canopy height and density, proportion of leaf and stem, and leaf and stem nutritive value within each layer. Forage mass fluctuated throughout the season, varying from 4,410 kg dry matter (DM) ha–1 in December to 7,220 kg DM ha–1 in October. Canopy bulk density was greater in February compared with November and December (290 vs. 145 kg ha–1 cm–1), and similar to October and January (200 kg ha–1 cm–1, on average). The lower canopy layer had the greatest proportion of stem whereas the upper layer had greatest proportion of leaves. Leaf had greater in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) (700 g kg–1) compared with stem (600 g kg–1). Leaf/stem ratio was greater in the upper layer (1.12), but similar between the middle and lower layers (0.4, on average). Leaf crude protein (CP) was greater than stem CP 70 vs. 20 g kg–1), with no differences between stem CP across evaluation dates. Stockpiled limpograss maintained leaf and stem digestibility and can be used as an alternative to reduce feeding costs in North Florida during the cool season.