| Dry matter (DM) and phosphorus (P) disappearance of alfalfa and coastal bermudagrass harvested at 14, 21, 28, and 35 days of maturity in cattle was measured using the mobile nylon bag technique. Ruminal and post-ruminal (pepsin/HCI and intestinal) disappearance of DM and P were observed. Disappearance of both parameters were greater in the rumen, however significant disappearance of DM and P did occur post-ruminally. Legumes (alfalfa) proved to be degraded to a greater extent than grass (coastal bermudagrass) for DM and showed more total tract disappearance of P. For both forages, P disappearance decreased as maturity increased. Results from this study can be used to aid producers in formulating a more precise ration to lower P excretion into the environment. |
