Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis)
Kentucky bluegrass is best adapted to the upper northern portion, and the mountain and upper piedmont areas of the Southeast. It is the dominant grass found in old pastures throughout the mountain areas and is used almost exclusively for grazing. In areas where renovation is practical, orchardgrass is preferred because of higher yield. Kentucky bluegrass requires medium drainage and grows best on soils of medium to high productivity. Kentucky bluegrass has narrow, soft, smooth leaves and forms a dense sod because of its rhizomes. It volunteers readily in all new seedings of mountain and upper piedmont areas. General period of growth is March 15 to November 1. The peak months of production are March to May and September. Kentucky bluegrass grows very little during the mid-summer months. An uneven seasonal production is its major weakness. Kentucky bluegrass is not as productive as orchardgrass or tall fescue. The yields of predominately bluegrass-white clover pastures range from 2 to 3 tons per acre. Kentucky bluegrass is very palatable and high in quality (75 to 80% digestible and 14 to 20% crude protein) when properly fertilized and in a vegetative stage. Its quality declines in mid-summer (59 to 63% digestible) or if allowed to head (52 to 58% digestible). Kentucky bluegrass-white clover pastures must be grazed fairly closely (from 4 to 6 inches back to 1 to 1.5 inches) in early spring to maintain the white clover. However, very close grazing in summer and fall reduces yields, causes soils to dry out, and accelerates runoff and erosion.
Luginbuhl, J-M. 2006. Pastures for Meat Goats. In: Meat Goat Production Handbook, ed. T.A. Gipson, R.C. Merkel, K. Williams, and T. Sahlu, Langston University, ISBN 1-880667-04-5.
