Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Article Title

A new tool for evaluating forages

Authors

L.H. Harbers
F.K. Brazle
Clenton E. Owensby

Keywords

Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station); 291; Cattlemen's Day, 1977; Beef; Intake; Alfalfa hay; Forage

Abstract

The scanning electron microscope has been used to observe the digestion of alfalfa hay and warm- and cool-season grasses. Photomicrographs show that leaves of all species are digested by bacteria and protozoa attacking either the upper part of the leaf or exposed edges; lower leaf surfaces are never attacked. Intake of a forage depends on how rapidly rumen bacteria and protozoa can enter the upper leaf surface and digest underlying material (mesophyll) leaving most of the highly lignified nutrient-carrying vessels (vascular tissue) undigested.

Recommended Citation

Harbers, L.H.; Brazle, F.K.; and Owensby, Clenton E. (1977) "A new tool for evaluating forages," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 0: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.2695