Composition and Digestibility of Deer Browse in Southern Forests

Henry L. Short; Robert M. Blair; E.A. Jr..Epps

Composition and Digestibility of Deer Browse in Southern Forests

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Henry L. Short, Robert M. Blair, E.A. Jr..Epps

Year:

1975

Type:

Research Paper

Station:

Southern Research Station

Source:

Res. Pap. SO-111. New Orleans, LA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Forest Experiment Station. 10 p.

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Abstract

Twigs were most nutritious and digestible during early growth in spring; they were high in fiber content and low in digestibility during summer, autumn, and winter. Evergreen leaves did not vary substantially in nutrient content and digestibility throughout the year. By contrast, leaves of deciduous species were reduced in quality and digestibility after leaf-fall.

Keywords

forage quality, wildlife foods, woody twigs, nutrients, ruminants, invivo microdigestion

Citation

Short, Henry L.; Blair, Robert M.; Epps, E.A., Jr. 1975. Composition and Digestibility of Deer Browse in Southern Forests. Res. Pap. SO-111. New Orleans, LA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Forest Experiment Station. 10 p.