Sun-curing and harvest maturity impacts concentration and protein-binding capacity of condensed tannins in sericea lespedeza (lespedeza cuneata)

Abstract

Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) is a noxious weed that infests approximately 600,000 acres of native tallgrass range in Kansas. Intake of sericea lespedeza by grazing livestock is poor, presumably as a result of the plant’s tannins. Condensed tannins reduce protein digestion by ruminants and may also decrease plant palatability.