The growth response of sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr.) to thiamine and bovine saliva

Abstract

Sideoats grama, a native grass species, was used to test effects of saliva deposited on a plant during grazing. Thiamine, which is found in animal saliva, was also tested to determine effects on plant growth. A comparison of plants grazed by either cattle, sheep or Angora goats or mechanically clipped was included to relate the effects of grazing and clipping. The growth response of sideoats grama plants to two intensities and frequencies of clipping was also evaluated. Sideoats grama plants receiving a saliva treatment after clipping consistently produced higher forage yields, root yields and basal areas than control plants. There was no difference in plant response from the addition of saliva from cattle, sheep or goats. Concentrating bovine saliva to twice its normal strength resulted in a definite increase in forage yield over the clipped control. Plants grazed by cattle, sheep or goats all had significantly higher growth rates than mechanically clipped plants. A soil application of thiamine to sideoats grama plants, grown in a greenhouse, increased forage yields by as much as 232% and root yields by as much as 398% over control plants. The increase was consistent but of less magnitude under field conditions. It was found that clipping sideoats grama plants to a 3-inch stubble height was detrimental to plant growth regardless of clipping frequency. Clipping to six inches at 6-week intervals resulted in the most favorable plant response. It was concluded that the grazing animal, through the action of saliva, the thiamine in saliva and other grazing characteristics, does exert a strong influence on grass and grassland production.