The distribution of dry matter and nutrients of edible plant groups in the national agro-forest in northeast Japan
2004
Sugiyama, M. (Tohoku Univ., Sendai (Japan)) | Sato, S. | Yasue, T. | Deguchi, Y. | Sugawara, K.
Dry matter (DM) and nutrients of edible plant groups were monitored monthly during the grazing season in the national agro-forest consisting of many lots of about 10 ha with various aged Japanese cedars planted and these surrounding broadleaf trees. Plant groups were bamboo, sedges, butterbur, tree leaves, forbs. and vines. Compositions of plant groups were quite different among lots. Average DM was 133g/ cubic m in this forest. There was always enough DM of about 28 times of the DM requirement during the whole grazing period for all grazing cows in the estimated home range. Average crude protein content and crude fiber content were 11.9 and 19.2% in this forest, respectively, which are enough for rearing the beef cow. Although the seasonal change of nutrients was different among lots, it is thought that cows could get balanced nutrition by selective grazing in this forest. Many lots, however, were poor in nutritional condition in October, which suggests affecting on the behaviour of cows.
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