Clustered Wheat Grass

Agropyron desertorum is a perennial crop that is grown in areas across North America. Since it can be regrown over many years, A. desertorum has become a useful crop within the agricultural field. This plant species is a type of crested wheatgrass that is used as a common grazing crop. It is especially used for beef cattle that are raised for human food production. A study was performed to test the specific cattle grazing preferences for different types of crested wheatgrass. Diploid cultivars of crested wheatgrasses were compared to tetraploid cultivars of Agropyron desertorum. The varying ploidy numbers of the plants resulted in inherent differences between the plants and subsequently, specific grazing preferences for the cattle. The study showed that the cattle significantly preferred the tetraploid cultivars for grazing, as opposed to the diploid cultivars. Thus, Agropyron desertorum can be used to better raise beef cattle and increase pasture utilization on the cattle farms.