Evaluation of Nutritive Value of Pueraria Montana (Kudzu) During the Growing Season.

Kudzu (Pueraria montana), a vigorous, perennial warm-season legume is widely spread in the south-eastern United States, and has a potential to be used as feed by ruminants during its growing season.  This study was conducted to determine the effects of plant part and sampling date on dry matter, moisture content, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), and Ca to P ratio (Ca:P ratio).  Samples of apical leaves and stems were collected from random locations within a 43-year old kudzu infestation grown on a Cecil clay loam (fine, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludults) at the (,).  Dry matter and crude protein were significantly higher in leaf part but sampling date did not have an effect on either dry matter or moisture content. Moisture content was higher in stem but sampling date did not have an effect on moisture content. Magnesium was significantly higher in leaf part at the beginning of the growing season until the end of September when no differences in Mg concentrations between stem and leaf parts were observed.  Neutral detergent fiber, and ADF were significantly different in stem and leaf parts by the sampling date.  Calcium concentration was not different between stem and leaf parts, but the sampling date was significant. Phosphorus, and Ca:P ratio did not significantly differ by plant part or sampling date.  Overall, kudzu’s nutritive value as feed for ruminants during the kudzu’s growing season is highly variable.  Further study is needed to evaluate the effects of ambient temperature and precipitation on kudzu’s nutritive value.