Quality of Forage From Miscanthus sinensis

Abstract

Two experiments were to determine whether Miscanthus sinensis, a tall fast-growing grass, has potential as a forage in north temperate areas. Miscanthus sinensis was sampled at eight times from June 9 to August 23. Crude protein declined from 19.4 to 6.4%. Cell wall constituents increased from 59.9 to 75.0%. In vitro dry matter digestibility declined from 88.8 to 54.7%. Miscanthus sinensis was compared with brome, orchard, reed canary, and timothy grasses cut 6/13, 6/22, and 7/3 for in vitro dry matter digestibility, cell wall constituent, and lignin content. Miscanthus sinensus was comparable to the other grasses in digestibility and cell wall constituents. Small-plot yields ranged from 8,734 to 11,626 kg/ha. © 1983, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.