Feedstuff Discovery - Orchardgrass

Orchardgrass

• Long-lived perennial bunchgrass that forms dense circular bunches.
• Can grow to heights of 2 to 4 feet in seed head stage.
• High quality, high yielding, palatable forage that is well-suited for use in mixtures with Alfalfa and Red Clover.
• Shade tolerant, moderately heat and cold resistant, but not tolerant of close cutting or continuous grazing.
• Annual yields = 2-4 tons DM/acre

Average Nutrient Content

• Ruminant TDN = 55-70%
• Crude Protein = 8-12%

Physical Description - bluish color leaves with leav veins less prominent than those for tall fescue; stems are flattened at base; leaves emerge along the midrib of the leaf folded in half.