Forage potential of Piptatherum miliaceum (L.) Coss (smilo grass)

Piptatherum miliaceum (L.) Coss smilo grass,is a Mediterranean perennial native grass species whose forage potential is unexplored. Little information is available about smilo grass seasonal production and biomass quality. CNR-ISPAAM activity focused on the evaluation for forage use of some smilo grass accessions collected in Sardinia in comparison with conventional forage species. Eight smilo grass accessions were grown in spaced plant stands, using tall fescue and cocksfoot as control. Plots were harvested three times during the years 2013 -2015 and DMY and forage quality were assessed. Significant differences were found among DMYs of conventional forage species and smilo grass, with smilo grass producing less than tall fescue but more than cocksfoot in each harvest season except for the end of spring. The content of crude protein of smilo grass was significantly higher than that of conventional species in all seasonal cuts, as well as NDF, while ADL was higher at the end of spring. On the basis of these preliminary outcomes, the potential role of smilo grass into rainfed extensive farming systems is discussed.