Digestible energy and protein content of some annual weeds, alfalfa, bromegrass, and tame oats

Abstract

Protein digestibility by sheep was greatest in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.); however, protein digestibility of meadow bromegrass (Bromus biebersteinii Roem and Schutt) and tame oats was similar to or less than that of eight annual weeds. The digestible energy content of five of the eight weeds was similar to or greater than that of alfalfa or bromegrass. Key words: Wild oats, green foxtail, redroot pigweed, lamb’s-quarters, kochia, flixweed