Contact Information

Dr. Tony Pescatore, Ph.D.
Interim Department Chair

900 W.P. Garrigus Building Lexington, KY 40546-0215

+1 (859) 257-2686

Feedstuff Discovery - Orchardgrass

Feedstuff Discovery - Orchardgrass

Feedstuff Discovery - Orchardgrass


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.

Contact Information

Dr. Tony Pescatore, Ph.D.
Interim Department Chair

900 W.P. Garrigus Building Lexington, KY 40546-0215

+1 (859) 257-2686