Nutritive value of naturally growing Panicum glochiata and Panicum maximum in cool climatic areas of northern Malawi

摘要

Panicum glochiata and Panicum maximum growing along streams and hydromorphic areas are the most preferred dry season feeds for feeding dairy cattle in northern Malawi. Forage samples were collected to monitor the nutritive value for potential to supply dairy cow requirements during dry season under the cut-and-carry system of production. Proximate components, gross energy, fibre fractions and in vitro dry matter digestibility were determined using standard laboratory procedures. The results revealed a decline in crude protein content (82-52g/kg DM) and digestibility (498-383g/kg DM) and an ncrease in ADF (486-555g/kg DM) and NDF (771-882g/kg DM) when harvesting was delayed from June to October. In general, the two grasses accumulated more fibre fractions, dropped in crude protein and digestibility declined sharply. This reduced potential of grasses from barely meeting maintenance requirements to below survival. To complement this traditional practice, it would be advisable to grow improved forages and conserve them as hay so that enough quality feed is available during the lean months. On the other hand, resorting to making hay from natural forages, when they are still potentially nutritious, would also optimize nutrient composition and utilization.