Selection of seeds of an exotic and three native grasses by northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus).

摘要

We used 24 captive northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) to compare relative preference of seeds of nonnative guineagrass (Urochloa maxima) to three native foods (switchgrass Panicum virgatum, Texas millet Urochloa texana, and plains bristlegrass Setaria leucopila). By mass, switchgrass was consumed more than other species; plains bristlegrass was least preferred. Selections of guineagrass and Texas millet were similar and intermediate between the other species. By volume, switchgrass and guineagrass were consumed equally. Switchgrass and guineagrass were higher in protein (16 and 18%, respectively) than the other species (13%). Texas millet had higher gross energy content and lower acid-detergent-fiber values compared to the other species. Plains bristlegrass had the lowest protein (13%) and lowest gross energy (3.72 kcal/g). Seeds of guineagrass were consumed and are similar to switchgrass in protein content.