Response of Sideoats Grama to Animal Saliva and Thiamine

Abstract

Sideoats grama plants clipped to various heights and frequencies were used to compare plant growth response to additions of animal saliva and thiamine. Comparisons were also made between plants which were either grazed or clipped. Results indicated that plants will respond to additions of thiamine when they are clipped at a moderate intensity (6 inches) and frequency (6 weeks). Plants did not respond to thiamine or saliva when clipped to three inches regardless of the frequency. Plants grazed by cattle, sheep or goats had significantly higher growth rates than clipped plants. Caution should be taken in interpreting data when mechanical clipping is substituted for grazing.