Identification of grazed grasses using epidermal characters

Abstract

The use of anatomical features of the abaxial epidermis of grasses is discussed for the identification of fragments of epidermis present in samples of rumen. The reliability of this technique, and the variation of the epidermal characters in two widely distributed species of grass, is given. A “Key” to identity certain genera of grasses occurring in Southern Africa, based on epidermal characters, is presented. The application of the technique to analyse rumen contents of .springbok and Merino sheep is shown.

UITTREKSEL

Die gebruik van anatomiese eienskappe van die abaksiale epidermis van grasse vir die uitkenning van epidermisfragmente teenwoordig in rumeninhoudmonsters word bespreek. Die betroubaarheid van hierdie tegniek en die variasie gevind in die epidermale kenmerke van twee wydverspreide grassoorte, word ook bespreek. ‘n ,,Sleutel” vir die uitkenning van sekere genera van grasse wat in Suidelike Afrika voorkom, gebaseer op epidermale kenmerke, word aangebied. Die toepassing van hierdie tegniek vir die ontleding van rumeninhoudmonsters van springbokke en Merinoskape word getoon.