The development of a Lolium multiflorum cultivar with a low moisture content and an increased readily digestible energy to protein ratio

Abstract

A breeding program was conducted to improve the forage quality of Lolium multiflorum. Fifteen cultivars grown in spaced-plant trials were subjected to selection for a low moisture and a high non-structural carbohydrate content. Results showed consistent positive correlations between non-structural carbohydrate content, dry matter content, and digestibility in vitro of the grass. In a small plot trial comparing F₆ plants (Selection 121) with 11 commercial L. multiflorum cultivars, Selection 121 gave the second-highest dry matter yield (difference not significant, P > 0.05) of the cultivars tested. The dry matter content of Selection 121 was significantly higher and the acid detergent fibre content significantly lower than that of the commercial cultivars. Furthermore, the total non-structural carbohydrate content was significantly higher and the nitrogen content significantly lower than that of the other L. multiflorum cultivars, giving Selection 121 nutritionally a much more favourable readily digestible energy to protein ratio than the commercial cultivars. Selection 121 was subsequently named 'NCD Enhancer' and is inscribed on the South African Variety List.