Aspen Bibliography

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Proceedings of the South Dakota Academy of Science

Volume

60

First Page

54

Last Page

68

Publication Date

1981

Abstract

When traditional roughages are in short supply or high in price, other fibrous feed sources for ruminants should be considered if available at a competitive price. One such fibrous material shown to have potential as a ruminant feed is the aspen tree (Populus tremuloides Michx.) harvested in its entire form to include bark, leaves and trunk. The aspen tree is the most widespread tree species in North America and the least utilized. Estimates exceed 6 million acres of mature trees in an area which would include the Black Hills (58,000 acres), the Great Lakes region and the Rocky Mountain region. Since the tree responds to harvest by thirtyfold reproduction from the remaining stump and root, it becomes a highly renewable source of fiber. Previously, when aspen wood was properly supplemented to correct nutrient deficiencies such as protein, the final mixed ration was a satisfactory replacement for up to 80% alfalfa in growing rations for cattle (A.S. Series 76-19).

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