Grazing Evaluation of Bigalta and Floralta Limpograss

The use of limpograss [Hemarthria altissima (Poir) Stapf et C.E. Hubb.] as a pasture plant is a relatively recent development. Available cultivars possess distinctly different characteristics. «Bigalta» limpograss has been widely planted on peninsular Florida Spodosols, but stand loss under grazing is common. A more persistent cultivar, «Floralta», has recently become the most widely grown limpograss cultivar in Florida. When grown in the same pasture, Bigalta was heavily grazed by yearling steers (Bos indicus L. and Bos taurus L. spp.) before any noticeable grazing of Floralta occurred. A series of grazing trials was conducted to investigate relative forage quality and plant growth responses of the two cultivars under grazing