35 research outputs found
Why Range Forage Quality Changes
Range livestock and wildlife have access to a tremendous diversity of forage plants which vary in nutritional quality. Range animals get the nutrients (protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals) required for growth, reproduction, and milk production from these plants. Nutritional quality is affected by plant part, plant age, plant group, season of growth, weather, soils and range sites, stocking rates, and secondary compounds. Animal species (cattle, goats, deer, etc.) affects the plant group used and potential digestibility