In Vitro Nutritional Evaluation of Marginal Land Grasses of Temperate Sub-Himalayas

Abstract

Thirteen marginal land grasses commonly used for livestock foraging in low (1000–1500 m) and high (2000–2500 m) altitude of temperate sub-Himalayas in northern India were evaluated for their nutritional value. The grasses of different species possessed high in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and low to medium fibre content (27.8–47.5% NDF and 23.2–43.7% ADF) along with moderate CP content (4.5–16.7%). IVOMD was negatively correlated with NDF and ADF content and positively correlated with CP. Grasses were rich source of Ca (0.5–2.1%) and moderate source of other elements. However, Cu (5.2–8.0 ppm) and I (0.05–0.09 ppm) level in most of the grasses were below the critical level. Concentrations of different minerals in the native grasses grown in high elevation were found to be lower than those of low elevation indicating leaching of minerals in high altitude through soil erosion. The results indicated that most of the grasses are moderate to good protein sources. Based on these attributes, Trifolium repens, Pennisetum clandestinum, P. orientale, Dactylis glomerata, Lolium perenne and Bromus inermis grasses could be classified as good quality fodder.