What are water soluble carbohydrates and how do they work?
High Sugar Grasses contain high amounts of water soluble carbohydrates (WSC). WSCs are the sugars found inside the plant cells themselves (rather than in the cell walls) and are a readily available source of energy soon after the forage enters the rumen. The increased WSCs in HSG varieties (up to 50% more than in traditional grass) allow microbes in the rumen to process grass protein more efficiently. This protein can then be utilized to increase meat and milk production while also reducing the amount of nitrogen lost through feces and urine.
