Abstract :
Forage kochia (Kochia prostrata (L.) Schrad.), also known as prostrate kochia, or prostrate
summer cypress is a long-lived, perennial, semi-evergreen, half-shrub well adapted to the
temperate, semiarid and arid regions of central Asia and the western U.S. In these areas it
has proven to be a valuable forage plant for sheep, goats, camels, cattle, and horses. Forage
kochia is a C4 plant that is extremely drought and heat tolerant, in part due to a taproot
that can extend up to 6.5m in depth. It is also very salt tolerant and well adapted to some
ecosystems dominated by halophytic species. It has been reported to be very productive
when grown in soils with salinity electrical conductivity (EC) levels approaching 20 dS/m,
and capable of persisting at much higher EC levels. Forage kochia’s biomass yield depends
upon the subspecies and environment, but reports generally range from 1000 to 1800 kg/ha
in environments receiving 100–200mmannual precipitation. Studies and practical experience
have shown that forage kochia is very palatable and nutritious, especially during the
late summer through winter period. Its nutritional characteristics include fall and winter
crude protein levels above 70 g/kg needed for gestating ruminants. It also has low tannins
and oxalates, and has not been reported to be a nitrate accumulator. When fed alone, it has
acceptable fiber qualities, but research has shown that it can improve digestion kinetics
when in a mixed diet with the low quality grasses as is common during late summer, fall,
and winter months. Overall, forage kochia has the potential to improve the sustainability
of small ruminant production in semiarid regions that frequently experience extended
drought and saline conditions.
