Digestibilty and Chemical Composition of Brome and Alfalfa Throughout the Growing Season

Alfalfa and brome grass are two of the major tame forages produced in North Dakota for livestock feed. Chemical composition of plants changes with growth stage, and many of these chemical constituents are directly or indirectly related to the value as a livestock feed. A study was conducted to determine some of the major changes in chemical composition of alfalfa and brome from May through October, and to utilize some of these chemical fractions to estimate digestibility. This study is reviewed for the reader. The chemical composition of alfalfa and brome change significantly with physiological growth stage, and these changes should be considered in the grazing and harvesting management of these forages