Site Variation in Forage Qualities of Mountain Mahogany and Serviceberry

Abstract

Nutrient and fiber content and in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) were measured in mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus) and serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) samples collected during January from 8 geographic areas distributed throughout the western half of Colorado. Coefficients of variation (CV) in dry matter content, cell content, crude protein, soluble carbohydrate, cell walls, holocellulose and IVDDM were 10% or less for both species. Winter variation in these parameters appears to be small enough to permit using a constant value for them in calculating winter nutritional status of big game rangelands.