VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Achnatherum richardsonii | Richardson Needlegrass 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Richardson needlegrass is an important forage species for livestock on
the northern Great Plains [15].  It is also utilized by deer, bighorn
sheep, and elk [7].  At lower elevations in western Montana, cattle
graze Richardson needlegrass from late spring until early fall.  At
higher elevations, grazing is limited to the summer months [7].
Needlegrasses (Achnatherum spp.) rank high as forage grasses on the western
ranges because of their abundance, wide distribution, long growing
period, and capacity to cure well on the ground [32].

At maturity, the long, sharp awns of needlegrasses become dangerous to
grazing animals and can cause injuries to the eyes, ears, and skin [32].
Reports of livestock injuries caused by Richardson needlegrass, however,
are not documented in the available literature.
  


PALATABILITY : 
Palatability of Richardson needlegrass varies with phenological
development.  Palatability is highest in the spring and early summer
when plants are young and succulent.  Richardson needlegrass is less
palatable at maturity, when it becomes coarse and wiry [31].  In
Montana, the palatability of Richardson needlegrass is rated as fair for
deer, fair to good for elk, and good for sheep and cattle [21].


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
The nutritional value of Richardson needlegrass during five major stages
of growth are as follows (values are percentage of dry weight with the
exception of carotene which is in mg/kg) [1,15]:

               Leaf        Heading     Seed-ripe     Cured    Weathered 
               Stage

Dry Matter      93.0         92.5         93.1        93.3       95.4  
Protein         10.3         6.65         5.13        4.10       2.60
Crude Fat       2.55         2.60         2.27        3.00       2.60
Crude Fiber     31.2         31.2         34.7        31.1       38.4
Ash             7.20         6.00         7.40        6.10       4.50
Calcium         0.33         0.30         0.33        0.38       0.36
Phosphorus      0.15         0.08         0.08        0.07       0.04
Cellulose       31.3         34.6         35.8        34.8       40.5
Carotene        33.1         31.5         5.67        3.50       1.15


COVER VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
NO-ENTRY


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
NO-ENTRY


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Fescue (Festuca spp.) grasslands are an important grazing resource in
much of the West, and Richardson needlegrass is an important component
of these grasslands.  Richardson needlegrass decreases with overgrazing
[19].  On lightly to moderately disturbed sites, Richardson needlegrass
increases.  On more severely disturbed sites, Richardson needlegrass
decreases.  Richardson needlegrass increases on moist disturbed sites
[19].

Related categories for Species: Achnatherum richardsonii | Richardson Needlegrass