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I r - - Forage kochia grown at the USU Blue Creek farm tested over 20% crude protein when harvested in July, suggesting that it may be used to alleviate protein deficiencies faced by non- migratory wildlife afrer annual and perennial grasses go dormant. However, our observations and long-term experience in Kazakhstan suggests that it is less palatable to cattle during the summer months. USDA-ARS Research Immigrant, the only cultivar that is currently available in the U.S., has short stature which limits its use in areas where snow is more abundant. The USDA-ARS Forage and Range Research Lab in Logan, UT has a project to better understand its management and to develop forage kochia with larger, shrub-like stature, and improved forage quality characteristics. Plant materials recently collected from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan show promise. Table 3. Forage production and ouality of stockpiled foraees for falUwinter grazin Archer, WY (Univ. of Wyoming Research - data available at htt~ ://www. uwvo. edu/a e/ces/pubs2.htm) Species Crude Protein Crude Protein NDF ADF Forage Production (Nov 5, 1998) (Feb 26, 1999) lbs/acre (Nov 5, 1998) `Immigrant" forage kochia 9.5 7.7 56.3 37.4 3035 Leagumes 8.7 7.7 61.0 50.4 649 Wildryes 6.5 5.6 70.0 45.1 1734 Wheatgrasses 6.1 5.6 67.1 41.5 1471 CONCLUSIONS Forage kochia is a nutritious perennial that is well adapted to the Intermountain West region of the U.S. There are tremendous potential advantages for beef producers using it as a feedstuff for grazing beef cows during the winter as an alternative to feeding harvested forage. Alternate varieties are being studied to further enhance this potential. Other uses, which are also being examined, include use for fire protection and reclaiming rangeland infested with cheatgrass and other invasive species. Viability of beef producers can be increased if feed costs are decreased, and forage kochia can be used as a tool to achieve this. Utah Stale University is committed to providing an environment free from hazassment and other forms of illegal discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 and older), disability, and veteran's status. USU's policy also prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment and academic related practices and decisions. - Utah State University employees and students cannot, because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran's status, refuse to hire; discharge; promote; demote; terminate; discriminate in compensation; or discriminate regazding terms, privileges, or conditions of employment, against any person other wise qualified. Employees and students also cannot discriminate in the classroom, residence halls, or in on/off campus, USU-sponsored events and activities. This publication is issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work. Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Jack M. Payne, Vice President and Director, Cooperative Extension Service, Utah State University. ;. a. .. ~ --