Herbage Yield and Nutritive Value of Different Napier (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) Grass Varieties

Abstract

The experiment was conducted at National Jersey Breeding Centre, Samtse to assess the fresh herbage yieldand nutritive value of four Napier grass varieties (CON, CO3, MO, and Pak-1) at different harvesting time intervals of 60, 90, and 120 days. Randomised Complete Block Design with three replications was used for the study. A significant difference (p < .05) in the herbage yield was observed among different Napier grass varieties. High fresh herbage yield of 23.70 t/ha was recorded in Pak-1 variety, and the highest dry matter yield
of 151.52 g/kg was recorded in CO3 variety. There was no effect of different harvesting intervals on the herbage yield, while the number of tillers had significant effect (p < .05) on herbage yield. The shorter varieties were leafier and produced higher crude protein percent and dry matter compared to taller varieties. The CO3 variety gave the highest percentage of crude protein (12.62%) and ash (13.92%) as compared to other varieties. All four varieties of Napier grass had crude protein level above the critical limit (7%) required
by ruminants for voluntary intake and rumen function.