An Application of Growth Analysis Method to Simple Correlation Analysis between Dry Matter Indigestibility and Lignin Content with Growth of a Forage

This study was conducted to apply the growth analysis method to the simple correlation analysis between dry matter indigestibility [DMI] and lignin content [LC] with growth of a forage. The growth was set between each sampling day [t_k] and the day [t_m], estimated from the regression line, when the mean value was given for each of DMI and LC. Terms used in the growth analysis method were forage relative growth rate [RGRw], the formation rate of indigestible materials for measured data [FRI] and that for estimated data [fri] from the regression line between DMI and LC, the formation rate of lignin [FRL], and the formation of indigestible materials per unit increase in lignin for measured data [FIL] and that for estimated data [fil]. The following results were obtained: The correlation coefficient [r], regression coefficient [b] and standard error of estimates [SEE] in the simple correlation analysis between DMI and LC were described using RGRw, FRI, fri, FRL, FIL and fil. FIL, fil, and the ratio or the difference between them seemed to influence, in some degree, the determination of r, b or SEE. It was suggested that the simple correlation analysis between DMI and LC was described using growth analysis method, implying influences of FIL and fil on the determination of r, b and SEE.