Abstract: In order to investigate nutrient contents, and dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) degradation properties of different Bothriochloa ischaemum populations at heading stage in Shanxi, fifteen Dorper×local breed F₁ male mutton hybrid sheep fitted with permanent rumen fistulas were selected to estimate degradability of DM and CP in the rumen. Findings included: the B. ischaemum populations differed greatly in nutrient content at the heading stage. A population from Taigu had the highest CP content and the lowest neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents, followed by populations from Yuanping and Qinyuan. The rumen degradability for DM and CP of different B. ischaemum populations also differed. The DM degradability of Taigu and Yuanping populations was significantly higher than that of the Xiangfen population at 72 hours (P<0.05). The DM effective degradability of the Taigu population was highest, with a value of 46.39%, followed by Yuanping and Qinyuan populations. Similarly, the CP degradability of the Taigu and Yuanping populations was significantly higher than the Ruicheng population which had the lowest CP degradability at 72 hours (P<0.05). The CP effective degradability of the Taigu population was highest, followed by the Fangshan and Yanggao populations, while there was no significant difference among three other populations (P>0.05). In conclusion, the degradability of DM and CP of the Taigu B. ischaemum population, as tested in rumen fistulated sheep, was the highest, among the tested populations.