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This study was conducted to evaluate the dry matter (DM) yield, quality and utilization of nutrients in Korean lespedeza (Lespedeza stipulacea Maxim.) swards as a roughage source. DM yield in various stages, chemical composition, and DM digestibility were observed, and DM intake, digestibility and utilization of nitrogen and energy by Korean native goat were determined. Experimental diets include three treatments: mixture hay (MH) 100%, MH (80%)+wild Korean lespedeza hay (LH) 20% and MH (60%)+LH (40%). As growth stage advanced, the DM yield of Korean lespedeza tended to increase significantly (p<0.05). The mean DM yield of all growing stages was observed as 7,336 kg/ha. Crude protein (CP) content of Korean lespedeza tended to decrease, but fibrous contents tended to increase when the growth stage advanced. The tannin content of Korean lespedeza was the highest at the bud stage (64.7 mg/g). However, it showed a tendency to decrease as the growth stage advanced, and thus it was the lowest at the ripe seed stage (26.8 mg/g) (p<0.05). With increasing level of LH, voluntary DM intake by Korean native goats slightly increased, but no differences were observed between diets. The digestibility of DM, cellular constituents and NDF was slightly higher in LH containing diets than that of MH 100% diet (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in apparently digested N% among all diets, but retained N% and retained N% of the absorbed were higher in MH (60%)+LH (40%) than those of other diets (p<0.05). A difference in the utilization of energy was not detected. In conclusion, Juvenile LH improved the digestibility of nutrients, presumably due to its high CP content and low fibrous compound. Especially, tannin in LH did not affect in DM intake, but increased the nitrogen utilization of Korean native goats. Accordingly, it could be suggested that Korean lespedeza has a potential to be provided as a roughage source for Korean native goats. |
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