DefinePK

Abstract

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine influence of maturity on chemical composition of Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris Linn.), Bluepanic (Panicum antidotale), Pennisetum orientale and Setaria sphacelata. The experiment was laid at Punjab Forestry Research Institute, Faisalabad on sandy loam soil. The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications. Grasses were established by planting tuft splits in 1x3 m plots at 0.3x0.3 m spacing. No fertilizer was applied and frequent irrigation was done to ensure adequate soil moisture. Four clipping stages i.e. CS1, CS2, CS3 and CS4 (clipped after 1, 2, 3 and 4 months, respectively) were studied. Response variables were dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL).With increasing clipping stage, concentration of DM, OM, NDF, ADF and ADL increased in all plant parts whereas CP contents declined with increasing clipping stage. One month clipping stage these grasses got optimum nutritional value and sustained grass vigor.