Forage Nutritive Value of Various Amaranth Species at Different Harvest Dates

Abstract

Complete information on forage quality characteristics of amaranth is unavailable. This study evaluated the forage quality of various amaranth accessions at different harvest dates. Seven accessions from the North Central Plant Introduction Station were established in June 1997 and June 1998 near Boone, IA. Subplots were harvested six times at 2‐wk intervals beginning 42 d after planting (DAP). In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude protein (CP), nitrate‐nitrogen, acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), protein and fiber digestion, and undegradable intake protein (UIP) were determined. Averaged over accessions, IVDMD decreased (P < 0.05) from 780 g kg−1 at 42 DAP to 680 g kg−1 at 112 DAP. Digestibility ranged from 590 to 790 g kg−1 Averaged over accessions at 42 DAP, CP was 270 g kg−1 then decreased to 100 g kg−1 at 112 DAP. Neutral detergent fiber increased from 310 g kg−1 at 42 DAP to 430 g kg−1 at 112 DAP. Averaged over harvest date, Amaranthus cruentus (Zimbabwe) had the highest NDF (390 g kg−1), and A. hybrid (Puebla, Mexico) had the lowest (330 g kg−1). Amaranthus cruentus (Zimbabwe), A. cruentus (Rwanda), and A. hybrid (Puebla, Mexico) had UIP averaging 25, 22, and 16%, respectively, of total crude protein after 16 h of digestion. Forage quality of the accessions at most harvest dates was consistent with what would be expected for relatively good quality forage, although high nitrate levels are a concern.

Field evaluation of Amaranthus species for seed and biomass yields in southern Italy

“…Various amaranth species show to have also considerable potential to be used as a forage or silage crop (Sleugh et al, 2001), as a new source of natural colorants such as betacyanin pigments (Cai et al, 1998), and for ornamental pur-poses. In addition, the residual biomass after seed harvesting may be a secondary product that is worth considering for energy uses though relevant information is not currently available.…”

The biology of Canadian weeds. 126. Amaranthus albus L., A. blitoides S. Watson and A. blitum L.

“…Nitrate levels diminish in older plants and are influenced by both genotype and environment (Sleugh et al 2001 (Spinacia oleracea L.) (Abbott and Campbell 1982) and their content of calcium, iron, and phosphorus is considerably higher (Igbokwe et al 1988;Makus 1990). They are an excellent source of dietary fibre and contain high amounts of protein (22 to 27%, rich in arginine, tryptophan, isoleucine and leucine), vitamins (vitamin C: 130-150 mg 100 g -1 , vitamin B: 33.7-45 mg 100 g -1 ), minerals (Ca 3.74%, Fe 0.5 mg 100 g -1 , K 3.84%, Mg 0.77%, P 0.44%, S 593 ppm, Al 592 ppm, Zn 282 ppm, Cu 65 ppm and antioxidants (Makus and Davis 1984;Teutonico and Knorr 1985;Walters et al 1988;Khader and Rama 1998;Anonymous 2001a).…”

“…Amaranthus spp. can yield 12 400 kg ha -1 dry weight of forage, which is highly digestible (Sleugh et al 2001). The betacyanin pigments of A. blitum and other Amaranthus spp.…”

Effect of planting date and density on amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus l.) growth indices and forage yield

“…In recent decade's frequency of its consumption widely increased in various continents such as China, Eastern South of Asia, Africa and America (Becker et al, 1981;Ravindran et al, 1996). Amaranth produced high amount of forage in a short period which can be used as dry forage or grain depot for ruminator and non-ruminator livestock (Sleugh et al, 2001). In terms of quality and protein level of amaranth it keeps pace with legumes plants or some time may have higher protein level than the leguminous crops (Sleugh et al, 2001).…”

“…Amaranth produced high amount of forage in a short period which can be used as dry forage or grain depot for ruminator and non-ruminator livestock (Sleugh et al, 2001). In terms of quality and protein level of amaranth it keeps pace with legumes plants or some time may have higher protein level than the leguminous crops (Sleugh et al, 2001). One of the most important features of amaranth is consumption of less water for normal growth (42-47percent) as compared to other crops (Johnson & Henderson, 2002).…”