Sun-curing and harvest maturity impacts concentration and protein-binding capacity of condensed tannins in sericea lespedeza (lespedeza cuneata)

Authors

G.J. Eckerle
L.A. Pacheco
K. C. Olson
John R. Jaeger

Keywords

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution; no. 11-171-S; Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service); 1047; Cattlemen's Day, 2011; Beef; Protein; Tannins; Sericea lespedeza

Abstract

Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) is a noxious weed that infests approximately 600,000 acres of native tallgrass range in Kansas. Intake of sericea lespedeza by grazing livestock is poor, presumably as a result of the plant's tannins. Condensed tannins reduce protein digestion by ruminants and may also decrease plant palatability.

Recommended Citation

Eckerle, G.J.; Pacheco, L.A.; Olson, K. C.; and Jaeger, John R. (2011) "Sun-curing and harvest maturity impacts concentration and protein-binding capacity of condensed tannins in sericea lespedeza (lespedeza cuneata)," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 0: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.2903