The utilization and apparent ruminal digestibility of dual-purpose food plots for wildlife and cattle grazing

The objective of this study was to examine cattle and deer utilization of nine different varieties of forage cereal grains. Yield and forage quality were also determined as well as apparent ruminal digestibility of select forage cereal grains. Cattle preferred annual ryegrass, followed by the oat varieties compared to wheat varieties. Deer preferred the wheat varieties and utilized the plots for the first nine weeks of the study but utilization decreased when cattle were introduced to the area. The annual cereal rye yielded the most tons per hectare followed by wheat varieties then the oat and other rye varieties. Apparent ruminal digestibility was determined through the use of fermenters that were randomly assigned to one of the following primary forage source: 1) fescue grass hay (GH); 2) ryegrass (RYE); 3) Buck Master Wheat (BMW); or 4) Buck Forage Oat (BFO). Dry matter digestibility was greater for RYE and BMW compared to GH and BFO. Neutral detergent fiber and CP digestibility were greater for RYE and BMW compared to GH and BFO. All varieties have the ability to extend grazing but more research needs to be done to determine best management practices for common use land areas.