Relationship of Tannin, Dry Matter Digestibility and Crude Protein in <i>Sericea lespedeza</i>¹

Abstract

Ten low‐tannin sericea plants ( Lespedeza cuneata [Dumont] G. Don) were higher in digestible dry matter than 10 high‐tannin plants, as indicated by the in vivo nylon bag technique. Dry matter digestibility and percentage crude protein were not significantly correlated. Results indicated a significant genetic interaction for tannin and crude protein. In only one of three familiesdid crude protein increase as tannin content decreased. Preliminary data indicate that nutritive value of sericea forage can be increased significantly by developing varieties low in tannin.