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From May 1975 to November 1977, whole plant samples of 6 native and 2 introduced grass species, and top pads of 1 browse (pricklypear cactus) species were collected monthly and analyzed for crude protein (CP), P, Na, K, Ca, Mg contents, and digestible energy (DE) to determine their nutritive value as range forage. Digestible energy, CP and P levels, were deficient, especially in winter and early spring for lactating cows but were near to marginal for dry cows. All other elements, except Na, were present at amounts adequate to meet all cattle requirements. Sodium levels were low, but probably would not pose a problem if free choice salt was provided. Any deficiencies may be alleviated by cattle selection of higher quality plants, such as forbs and short-lived annual grasses. Pricklypear cactus had low levels of CP, P, and Na but high levels of estimated DE (2990 K cal/kg); however, pricklypear cactus is high in soluble ash (20%) and if expressed as in vitro digestible organic matter, DE is considerably reduced. These data suggest that protein should be supplemented to lactating cows in winter and early spring while P probably should be supplemented all year. The 7 million hectares of rangeland in the South Texas Plains make up one of the largest native range areas for beef production (cow-calf operation) in Texas (Gould 1975). Ranch enterprises are vital to the area’s economy; however, it is increasingly difficult to make a profit from range operations. The key for ranchers to remain in business is to increase their production of high quality forage. Little research has been conducted on important food plants eaten by cattle on South Texas rangelands (Davis 1952). Cattle production from rangelands depends on rainfall distribution, forage quality, stocking rates, and other management practices. Improving nutritive value of major cattle foods on native range is essential for increasing cattle production; however, range forage nutrition information is limited. This investigation was conducted to determine the nutritive value of major range forage species eaten by cattle grazing on a red sandy loam range site. This study is part of another study, conducted by Everitt et al. (1981), that gives details on botanical composition of cattle diets and range forage availability from September 1976 to November 1977.

Nutrient Contents of Major Food Plants Eaten by Cattle in the South Texas Plains