Curing Standing Range Forage with Herbicides

Abstract

Paraquat applied to standing annual range forage at anthesis of the grasses resulted in standing hay 57 to 77% higher in protein. Crude fiber was decreased and phosphorus increased. Forage production was generally lower with treatment, because the growing season was shorter. Palatability of dry forage was improved. Lambs on treated forage gained more rapidly. No physiological or pathological changes were found in the lambs. Spraying resulted in less grass and more clover in the year following spraying.