RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STEM DIAMETER AND <i>IN VITRO</i> DIGESTIBILITY OF FORAGES

Abstract

Stem diameter of Vernal alfalfa was markedly greater from first cut than from aftermaths, particularly the third cut. Stems were larger from clump than from solid spacings within rows. Only the narrowest row widths tended to influence stem size. When alfalfa was cut at the first-flower stage, stem diameter had no effect on in vitro dry matter digestibility. Furthermore, stem width had no influence on the digestibility of various bromegrass entries cut at the heads-elongated stage. No consistent relationship occurred between stem width and lignin or acid-detergent fiber content with alfalfa. However, the narrow stems of bromegrass had a slightly higher lignin content.