PJB-2024-647
The effect of maturity on the composition of hay and silage made from Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum)
Fahad Ali
Abstract
Abstract
Elephant grass or napier grass is a local specie of tropical africa and is scientifically known as Pennisetum purpureum.It is widely cultivated in tropical regions but less cultivated in temperate regions. The first cut of a well-established crop is often ready after two months of planting. Rather than being grazed, napier grass is typically picked and eaten fresh or occasionally preserved. The following will be the outcome of the study;The nutritional value of napier grass hay and silage at three different maturity stages.Its role as a conserve fodder will be assessed for dry seasons use.For obtainting objectives hay and silage are developed. A major problem facing livestock producers in tropical countries is how to provide a proper nutrition for their animals, especially during the dry season when pasture and cereal residues are limiting in quantity and nutritional quality. Feeding animals in the dry season is a major problem as plant growth stops and the effect of inadequate feeding on livestock productivity may be serious. Underfeeding reduces animal growth and milk yield Napier grass is a feed commonly used across the tropics and subtropics. At three stages of maturity, napier grass cultivated in NARC was preserved as hay or silage. After planting, the seedling’s growth (85% germination) was finished in ten days. The preserved fodders’ chemical examination reveals silages and hays with a reasonable level of nutritional value. Comparing silages to hays of the same type, silages had more cell wall components but lower CP.Cell wall constituents varied between 62.5 — 70.0 % NDF and 40.0 – 45.5 % ADF in silages, and 60.5 – 67.0% NDF and 37.5 – 42.5 % ADF in hays.
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