Nutritional Value of Crested Wheatgrass for Wintering Mule Deer

Abstract

The nutritional value of crested wheatgrass in the fall to spring diet of mule deer was determined from in vivo and in vitro digestibilities, a field grazing trial, and crude protein analyses. Its dietary significance was evaluated by comparing the known diet with and without the grass component. Findings indicated fall regrowth and spring growth of crested wheatgrass favorably affected the nutritional plane of mule deer on winter range dominated by big sagebrush having intermingled seedings of this exotic grass.