HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Reeves, J. B. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Reeves, J. B., III

Lignin and Fiber Compositional Changes in Forages Over a Growing Season and Their Effects on In Vitro Digestibility¹

Ruminant Nutrition Laboratory, Animal Science Institute, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD 20705

ABSTRACT

The composition of lignin and fiber was investigated in three forages, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), and orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) hays, and the vegetative parts of corn (Zea mays) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants collected over the 1982 growing season to determine how lignin in different plants changes with plant growth and how this relates to changes in fiber and digestibility measures. The composition of lignin (by nitrobenzene oxidation) varied with the plant, harvesting frequency, and maturity, although changes were often more pronounced early in the growing season. Fiber composition and in vitro digestibility varied, but variability was spread over the entire growing season. Coefficients of determination between lignin components and fiber or digestibility measurements were highly forage dependent. The best predictor (among lignin components) of NDF or ADF or lignin content was p-hydroxybenzaldehyde for alfalfa, a mixture (acetovanillone and 4-allyl-2,6-dimethoxyphenol) for corn plant and orchardgrass, and syringic acid for tall fescue and wheat plant. Similarly, the best predictor of digestibility by a lignin component was the mixed component for alfalfa and orchardgrass and syringic acid for the others.

¹ Mention of a trade name, proprietary product, or specific equipment does not constitute a guarantee or warranty by the US Department of Agriculture and does not imply its approval to the exclusion of other products that may be suitable.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				M. S. S. Reddy, F. Chen, G. Shadle, L. Jackson, H. Aljoe, and R. A. Dixon Targeted down-regulation of cytochrome P450 enzymes for forage quality improvement in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) PNAS, November 15, 2005; 102(46): 16573 - 16578. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]