Search

Studies were conducted to evaluate the yield and nutritive quality of four Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) cultivars namely Common, Silver, Red and Dwarf Napier harvested at 4, 6 and 8 weeks age as fresh and ensiled fodder. Common, Silver and Red Napier were classified as tall cultivars while Dwarf Napier is a short cultivar. The harvesting ages selected were within of the range of optimum cutting age for Napier grass. Study 1 was conducted to determine the dry matter yield and leaf to stem ratio of fresh Napier cultivars at 4, 6 and 8 weeks old. The dry matter yield of Common Napier reached a peak of 6 tonnes ha-1 cut-1 at 6-week old. The dry matter yield of Red Napier gradually increased and peaked 6 tonnes ha-1 cut-1 at 8 weeks old. Silver Napier yielded a similar dry matter production as Dwarf Napier as well as the lowest yield throughout the study. The leaf to stem ratio of Napier cultivars declined significantly from 3.24 at 4 weeks to 1.94 at 6 weeks. Dwarf Napier had the highest leaf to stem ratio (3.93) among the cultivars. The nutritional composition and digestibility of fresh Napier cultivars at 4, 6 and 8 weeks were evaluated in Study 2. Dwarf Napier had the highest nutritive quality among the cultivars throughout the harvesting ages (12 to 20% CP). Overall, tall cultivars have higher NDF, ADF and ADL content than Dwarf Napier. Interestingly,the crude protein content of Red Napier (11%) remained unchanged throughout the harvesting ages. In terms of digestibility, Dwarf Napier and 6-week old Red Napier were classified as high quality feed (> 70% IVDMD and > 65% IVOMD). Study 3 was conducted to evaluate and compare the nutritional composition and digestibility of fresh and ensiled cultivars at 6 and 8 weeks harvesting age. The crude protein of Common Napier increased significantly after ensiling process from 8 to 9%. In contrast, a significant loss in crude protein content was observed in ensiled Silver Napier (9% CP) compared to the fresh forage (10% CP). A

Studies were conducted to evaluate the yield and nutritive quality of four Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) cultivars namely Common, Silver, Red and Dwarf Napier harvested at 4, 6 and 8 weeks age as fresh and ensiled fodder. Common, Silver and Red Napier were classified as tall cultivars while Dwarf Napier is a short cultivar. The harvesting ages selected were within of the range of optimum cutting age for Napier grass. Study 1 was conducted to determine the dry matter yield and leaf to stem ratio of fresh Napier cultivars at 4, 6 and 8 weeks old. The dry matter yield of Common Napier reached a peak of 6 tonnes ha-1 cut-1 at 6-week old. The dry matter yield of Red Napier gradually increased and peaked 6 tonnes ha-1 cut-1 at 8 weeks old. Silver Napier yielded a similar dry matter production as Dwarf Napier as well as the lowest yield throughout the study. The leaf to stem ratio of Napier cultivars declined significantly from 3.24 at 4 weeks to 1.94 at 6 weeks. Dwarf Napier had the highest leaf to stem ratio (3.93) among the cultivars. The nutritional composition and digestibility of fresh Napier cultivars at 4, 6 and 8 weeks were evaluated in Study 2. Dwarf Napier had the highest nutritive quality among the cultivars throughout the harvesting ages (12 to 20% CP). Overall, tall cultivars have higher NDF, ADF and ADL content than Dwarf Napier. Interestingly,the crude protein content of Red Napier (11%) remained unchanged throughout the harvesting ages. In terms of digestibility, Dwarf Napier and 6-week old Red Napier were classified as high quality feed (> 70% IVDMD and > 65% IVOMD). Study 3 was conducted to evaluate and compare the nutritional composition and digestibility of fresh and ensiled cultivars at 6 and 8 weeks harvesting age. The crude protein of Common Napier increased significantly after ensiling process from 8 to 9%. In contrast, a significant loss in crude protein content was observed in ensiled Silver Napier (9% CP) compared to the fresh forage (10% CP). A

Studies were conducted to evaluate the yield and nutritive quality of four Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) cultivars namely Common, Silver, Red and Dwarf Napier harvested at 4, 6 and 8 weeks age as fresh and ensiled fodder. Common, Silver and Red Napier were classified as tall cultivars while Dwarf Napier is a short cultivar. The harvesting ages selected were within of the range of optimum cutting age for Napier grass. Study 1 was conducted to determine the dry matter yield and leaf to stem ratio of fresh Napier cultivars at 4, 6 and 8 weeks old. The dry matter yield of Common Napier reached a peak of 6 tonnes ha-1 cut-1 at 6-week old. The dry matter yield of Red Napier gradually increased and peaked 6 tonnes ha-1 cut-1 at 8 weeks old. Silver Napier yielded a similar dry matter production as Dwarf Napier as well as the lowest yield throughout the study. The leaf to stem ratio of Napier cultivars declined significantly from 3.24 at 4 weeks to 1.94 at 6 weeks. Dwarf Napier had the highest leaf to stem ratio (3.93) among the cultivars. The nutritional composition and digestibility of fresh Napier cultivars at 4, 6 and 8 weeks were evaluated in Study 2. Dwarf Napier had the highest nutritive quality among the cultivars throughout the harvesting ages (12 to 20% CP). Overall, tall cultivars have higher NDF, ADF and ADL content than Dwarf Napier. Interestingly,the crude protein content of Red Napier (11%) remained unchanged throughout the harvesting ages. In terms of digestibility, Dwarf Napier and 6-week old Red Napier were classified as high quality feed (> 70% IVDMD and > 65% IVOMD). Study 3 was conducted to evaluate and compare the nutritional composition and digestibility of fresh and ensiled cultivars at 6 and 8 weeks harvesting age. The crude protein of Common Napier increased significantly after ensiling process from 8 to 9%. In contrast, a significant loss in crude protein content was observed in ensiled Silver Napier (9% CP) compared to the fresh forage (10% CP). A

Studies were conducted to evaluate the yield and nutritive quality of four Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) cultivars namely Common, Silver, Red and Dwarf Napier harvested at 4, 6 and 8 weeks age as fresh and ensiled fodder. Common, Silver and Red Napier were classified as tall cultivars while Dwarf Napier is a short cultivar. The harvesting ages selected were within of the range of optimum cutting age for Napier grass. Study 1 was conducted to determine the dry matter yield and leaf to stem ratio of fresh Napier cultivars at 4, 6 and 8 weeks old. The dry matter yield of Common Napier reached a peak of 6 tonnes ha-1 cut-1 at 6-week old. The dry matter yield of Red Napier gradually increased and peaked 6 tonnes ha-1 cut-1 at 8 weeks old. Silver Napier yielded a similar dry matter production as Dwarf Napier as well as the lowest yield throughout the study. The leaf to stem ratio of Napier cultivars declined significantly from 3.24 at 4 weeks to 1.94 at 6 weeks. Dwarf Napier had the highest leaf to stem ratio (3.93) among the cultivars. The nutritional composition and digestibility of fresh Napier cultivars at 4, 6 and 8 weeks were evaluated in Study 2. Dwarf Napier had the highest nutritive quality among the cultivars throughout the harvesting ages (12 to 20% CP). Overall, tall cultivars have higher NDF, ADF and ADL content than Dwarf Napier. Interestingly,the crude protein content of Red Napier (11%) remained unchanged throughout the harvesting ages. In terms of digestibility, Dwarf Napier and 6-week old Red Napier were classified as high quality feed (> 70% IVDMD and > 65% IVOMD). Study 3 was conducted to evaluate and compare the nutritional composition and digestibility of fresh and ensiled cultivars at 6 and 8 weeks harvesting age. The crude protein of Common Napier increased significantly after ensiling process from 8 to 9%. In contrast, a significant loss in crude protein content was observed in ensiled Silver Napier (9% CP) compared to the fresh forage (10% CP). A

Studies were conducted to evaluate the yield and nutritive quality of four Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) cultivars namely Common, Silver, Red and Dwarf Napier harvested at 4, 6 and 8 weeks age as fresh and ensiled fodder. Common, Silver and Red Napier were classified as tall cultivars while Dwarf Napier is a short cultivar. The harvesting ages selected were within of the range of optimum cutting age for Napier grass. Study 1 was conducted to determine the dry matter yield and leaf to stem ratio of fresh Napier cultivars at 4, 6 and 8 weeks old. The dry matter yield of Common Napier reached a peak of 6 tonnes ha-1 cut-1 at 6-week old. The dry matter yield of Red Napier gradually increased and peaked 6 tonnes ha-1 cut-1 at 8 weeks old. Silver Napier yielded a similar dry matter production as Dwarf Napier as well as the lowest yield throughout the study. The leaf to stem ratio of Napier cultivars declined significantly from 3.24 at 4 weeks to 1.94 at 6 weeks. Dwarf Napier had the highest leaf to stem ratio (3.93) among the cultivars. The nutritional composition and digestibility of fresh Napier cultivars at 4, 6 and 8 weeks were evaluated in Study 2. Dwarf Napier had the highest nutritive quality among the cultivars throughout the harvesting ages (12 to 20% CP). Overall, tall cultivars have higher NDF, ADF and ADL content than Dwarf Napier. Interestingly,the crude protein content of Red Napier (11%) remained unchanged throughout the harvesting ages. In terms of digestibility, Dwarf Napier and 6-week old Red Napier were classified as high quality feed (> 70% IVDMD and > 65% IVOMD). Study 3 was conducted to evaluate and compare the nutritional composition and digestibility of fresh and ensiled cultivars at 6 and 8 weeks harvesting age. The crude protein of Common Napier increased significantly after ensiling process from 8 to 9%. In contrast, a significant loss in crude protein content was observed in ensiled Silver Napier (9% CP) compared to the fresh forage (10% CP). A

Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp is Fabaceae family (alt. Leguminosae). It has different common name the most common is congo pea, pigeon pea or yellow dahl. The morphological of the plant is an annual or short-lived perennial shrub or small tree with leaves trifoliate, alternate, set in a spiral around the stem, flowers usually yellow and a flat pods (5–9 cm long, 12–13 mm wide, containing 2–9 oval to round seeds varying in colour from light beige to dark brown) that can grow up to one to four meters and usually with an erect woody at the base. Cajanus cajan primarily grown as a grain crop for seed for human consumption with over 4 million hectares cultivated worldwide. The foliage may be cut and fed to livestock fresh or conserved. This study was conducted to evaluate the nutritive values of Cajanus cajan by products (leave and pods husk) in comparison with concentrate. Commercial concentrate (C) and Cajanus cajan leave (CCL) and pod husk (CPH) samples (after harvesting at 8 months of age) were collected from South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Proximate analysis, acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent lignin were conducted. The results indicate that the ash (7.6%DM; 7.3%DM), NDF (47.7%DM; 46.4%DM) and ADL (15.3%DM; 16.8%DM) for CCL and C were not different (P>0.05), respectively. The crude protein (20.9%DM; 16.1%DM) and ADF (28.2%DM; 21.9%DM) were significantly higher (P<0.05) in CCL compared with C. The nutritive values for CPH for ash, crude protein were significantly lower (P<0.05) and NDF (77.6%DM), ADF (67.0%DM) and ADL (32.3%DM) were significantly higher (P<0.05) compared with both CCL and C. In conclusion, based on the nutritive values of Cajanus cajan leave it has a potential as ruminant feed.

Napier grass is a C4 type tropical grass and commonly used as ruminant feedstuffs due to its promising yield. The preservation of Napier grass is to ensure continuous feed supply for the animals during shortage of forages as well as preserving the quality of the grasses. The study on nutritive quality of fresh and ensiled Napier cultivars was conducted at March 2014 at Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia. Four Napier cultivars (Common Napier, Silver Napier, Red Napier and Dwarf Napier) were sown in a randomized complete block design with three replications.The Common, Silver and Red Napier were classified as tall types and Dwarf Napier as short cultivar.Results revealed that Common Napier and Red Napier hadsignificantly higher (P<0.05) dry matter yield (DMY). Both Silver and Dwarf Napier have the lowest DMY (P<0.05) regardless of the grass height. Generally, Dwarf Napier had the highest leaf to stem ratio(3.18) and nutritive value (10% crude protein (CP); 66% in-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD); 56% in-vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD)) than tall cultivars. The process of fermentation clearly decreased the nutritive value of Napier cultivars. The ensiling process decreased (P<0.05) neutral detergent fibre (NDF) content (72 to 67%), IVDMD (69 to 61%)and increased (P<0.05) the IVOMD (52 to 58%) and gross energy (16 to 17 MJ/kg).Regardless of the feed types, the CP content of Napier cultivars surpassed 7% of the minimum requirement for rumen microbial sustainability. There were interaction (P<0.05) between cultivars and feed types on CP, potential gas production (A+B), metabolisable energy (ME) and degradation rates (C). The CP content of Common, Red and Dwarf Napier increased numerically due to ensiling process. Nevertheless, the ME content and C value declined gradually after the ensiling process. The compaction during ensiling process could affect the quality of Napier cultivars in particular the IVDMD and the degradation ratesdue to leaching of nutri

Napier grass is a C4 type tropical grass and commonly used as ruminant feedstuffs due to its promising yield. The preservation of Napier grass is to ensure continuous feed supply for the animals during shortage of forages as well as preserving the quality of the grasses. The study on nutritive quality of fresh and ensiled Napier cultivars was conducted at March 2014 at Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia. Four Napier cultivars (Common Napier, Silver Napier, Red Napier and Dwarf Napier) were sown in a randomized complete block design with three replications.The Common, Silver and Red Napier were classified as tall types and Dwarf Napier as short cultivar.Results revealed that Common Napier and Red Napier hadsignificantly higher (P<0.05) dry matter yield (DMY). Both Silver and Dwarf Napier have the lowest DMY (P<0.05) regardless of the grass height. Generally, Dwarf Napier had the highest leaf to stem ratio(3.18) and nutritive value (10% crude protein (CP); 66% in-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD); 56% in-vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD)) than tall cultivars. The process of fermentation clearly decreased the nutritive value of Napier cultivars. The ensiling process decreased (P<0.05) neutral detergent fibre (NDF) content (72 to 67%), IVDMD (69 to 61%)and increased (P<0.05) the IVOMD (52 to 58%) and gross energy (16 to 17 MJ/kg).Regardless of the feed types, the CP content of Napier cultivars surpassed 7% of the minimum requirement for rumen microbial sustainability. There were interaction (P<0.05) between cultivars and feed types on CP, potential gas production (A+B), metabolisable energy (ME) and degradation rates (C). The CP content of Common, Red and Dwarf Napier increased numerically due to ensiling process. Nevertheless, the ME content and C value declined gradually after the ensiling process. The compaction during ensiling process could affect the quality of Napier cultivars in particular the IVDMD and the degradation ratesdue to leaching of nutri

Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp is Fabaceae family (alt. Leguminosae). It has different common name the most common is congo pea, pigeon pea or yellow dahl. The morphological of the plant is an annual or short-lived perennial shrub or small tree with leaves trifoliate, alternate, set in a spiral around the stem, flowers usually yellow and a flat pods (5–9 cm long, 12–13 mm wide, containing 2–9 oval to round seeds varying in colour from light beige to dark brown) that can grow up to one to four meters and usually with an erect woody at the base. Cajanus cajan primarily grown as a grain crop for seed for human consumption with over 4 million hectares cultivated worldwide. The foliage may be cut and fed to livestock fresh or conserved. This study was conducted to evaluate the nutritive values of Cajanus cajan by products (leave and pods husk) in comparison with concentrate. Commercial concentrate (C) and Cajanus cajan leave (CCL) and pod husk (CPH) samples (after harvesting at 8 months of age) were collected from South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Proximate analysis, acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent lignin were conducted. The results indicate that the ash (7.6%DM; 7.3%DM), NDF (47.7%DM; 46.4%DM) and ADL (15.3%DM; 16.8%DM) for CCL and C were not different (P>0.05), respectively. The crude protein (20.9%DM; 16.1%DM) and ADF (28.2%DM; 21.9%DM) were significantly higher (P<0.05) in CCL compared with C. The nutritive values for CPH for ash, crude protein were significantly lower (P<0.05) and NDF (77.6%DM), ADF (67.0%DM) and ADL (32.3%DM) were significantly higher (P<0.05) compared with both CCL and C. In conclusion, based on the nutritive values of Cajanus cajan leave it has a potential as ruminant feed.

Napier grass was first introduced to Malaysia in the 1920’s and there were many cultivars introduced in Malaysia since 1950’s. However, there is a need to have comparative evaluation of these Napier cultivars so that definite recommendations can be made in the choice and management of the respective cultivars. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the in vitro digestibility and gas production characteristic of four Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) cultivars, namely Common, Silver, Red and Dwarf Napier. Common, Silver and Red Napier are classified as tall cultivars while Dwarf Napier is a short cultivar. Gas production was determined at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 32, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h of incubation period and its kinetics was described using the equation p = a + b (1 – e–ct). Dwarf Napier had the highest (P < 0.05) nutritive quality (16% CP; 75% IVDMD and 73% IVOMD) among the cultivars. Overall, tall cultivars were higher (P < 0.05) in NDF, ADF, and ADL content than Dwarf Napier cultivar. The potential gas production (A+B) at 96 h incubation period was higher (P < 0.05) in Dwarf Napier cultivar (65 mL/200 mg DM) compared to other tall cultivars (< 57 mL/200 mg DM). There were no significance differences (P > 0.05) in the rate of gas production (C) of Napier cultivars which ranged from 0.024 to 0.035 h-1. The metabolisable energy (ME) was significantly higher in Dwarf and Red Napier cultivars (8.7 MJ/kg DM) compared to Silver and Common Napier cultivars. The cumulative gas production within 32 h was highest (P< 0.05) in Red and Dwarf Napier cultivars. The total VFA concentration, acetic and butyric acid content of Napier cultivars (P>0.05) ranged from 52 to 73 mM, 88 to 70%, 6.2 to 6.8%, respectively.. Dwarf Napier cultivar had superior nutritional quality. Dwarf and Red Napier cultivars could be classified as high quality grasses due to their high digestibility, gas production and degradation rates compared to the other cultivars. The low quality of Common and Silver Napi

Napier grass was first introduced to Malaysia in the 1920’s and there were many cultivars introduced in Malaysia since 1950’s. However, there is a need to have comparative evaluation of these Napier cultivars so that definite recommendations can be made in the choice and management of the respective cultivars. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the in vitro digestibility and gas production characteristic of four Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) cultivars, namely Common, Silver, Red and Dwarf Napier. Common, Silver and Red Napier are classified as tall cultivars while Dwarf Napier is a short cultivar. Gas production was determined at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 32, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h of incubation period and its kinetics was described using the equation p = a + b (1 – e–ct). Dwarf Napier had the highest (P < 0.05) nutritive quality (16% CP; 75% IVDMD and 73% IVOMD) among the cultivars. Overall, tall cultivars were higher (P < 0.05) in NDF, ADF, and ADL content than Dwarf Napier cultivar. The potential gas production (A+B) at 96 h incubation period was higher (P < 0.05) in Dwarf Napier cultivar (65 mL/200 mg DM) compared to other tall cultivars (< 57 mL/200 mg DM). There were no significance differences (P > 0.05) in the rate of gas production (C) of Napier cultivars which ranged from 0.024 to 0.035 h-1. The metabolisable energy (ME) was significantly higher in Dwarf and Red Napier cultivars (8.7 MJ/kg DM) compared to Silver and Common Napier cultivars. The cumulative gas production within 32 h was highest (P< 0.05) in Red and Dwarf Napier cultivars. The total VFA concentration, acetic and butyric acid content of Napier cultivars (P>0.05) ranged from 52 to 73 mM, 88 to 70%, 6.2 to 6.8%, respectively.. Dwarf Napier cultivar had superior nutritional quality. Dwarf and Red Napier cultivars could be classified as high quality grasses due to their high digestibility, gas production and degradation rates compared to the other cultivars. The low quality of Common and Silver Napi

An experiment was conducted to assess the yield and nutritive value of four Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) cultivars (Common, Silver, Red and Dwarf Napier) harvested at three different ages (4th, 6th and 8th weeks old). The interaction of cultivars and harvesting ages (P<0.05) was observed on dry matter yield (DMY) and nutritive value. Napier cultivars with the highest nutritive value were observed at the early age of cutting, 4th weeks old. Consequently, limited DMY obtained at the early age of growth. Dwarf Napier had superior quality (P<0.05), in particular the crude protein (CP) content and in-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) across the harvesting age. Red Napier yielded highest DMY (6.1 tonnes/ha/cut) at 8th weeks old with the highest nutritive value observed among the tall cultivars across the harvesting age. The DMY of Common Napier peaked (5.7 tonnes/ha/cut) as early as 6th weeks old. Nevertheless, the presence of extensive lignification bound on the structural carbohydrate inhibited the IVDMD. Silver Napier had no advantages in term of DMY and nutritive value over the other cultivars. Therefore, Dwarf Napier could be harvested on 6th week (maximize CP content) or 8th week old (maximize DMY) since there was no changed (P>0.05) in IVDMD. Red Napier is suggested to be harvested on 8th weeks old to maximize the DMY. Common Napier was best harvested at 6th weeks where the highest DMY can be attained without incur further losses in term of nutritive value.

An experiment was conducted to assess the yield and nutritive value of four Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) cultivars (Common, Silver, Red and Dwarf Napier) harvested at three different ages (4th, 6th and 8th weeks old). The interaction of cultivars and harvesting ages (P<0.05) was observed on dry matter yield (DMY) and nutritive value. Napier cultivars with the highest nutritive value were observed at the early age of cutting, 4th weeks old. Consequently, limited DMY obtained at the early age of growth. Dwarf Napier had superior quality (P<0.05), in particular the crude protein (CP) content and in-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) across the harvesting age. Red Napier yielded highest DMY (6.1 tonnes/ha/cut) at 8th weeks old with the highest nutritive value observed among the tall cultivars across the harvesting age. The DMY of Common Napier peaked (5.7 tonnes/ha/cut) as early as 6th weeks old. Nevertheless, the presence of extensive lignification bound on the structural carbohydrate inhibited the IVDMD. Silver Napier had no advantages in term of DMY and nutritive value over the other cultivars. Therefore, Dwarf Napier could be harvested on 6th week (maximize CP content) or 8th week old (maximize DMY) since there was no changed (P>0.05) in IVDMD. Red Napier is suggested to be harvested on 8th weeks old to maximize the DMY. Common Napier was best harvested at 6th weeks where the highest DMY can be attained without incur further losses in term of nutritive value.

An experiment was conducted to assess the yield and nutritive value of four Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) cultivars (Common, Silver, Red and Dwarf Napier) harvested at three different ages (4th, 6th and 8th weeks old). The interaction of cultivars and harvesting ages (P<0.05) was observed on dry matter yield (DMY) and nutritive value. Napier cultivars with the highest nutritive value were observed at the early age of cutting, 4th weeks old. Consequently, limited DMY obtained at the early age of growth. Dwarf Napier had superior quality (P<0.05), in particular the crude protein (CP) content and in-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) across the harvesting age. Red Napier yielded highest DMY (6.1 tonnes/ha/cut) at 8th weeks old with the highest nutritive value observed among the tall cultivars across the harvesting age. The DMY of Common Napier peaked (5.7 tonnes/ha/cut) as early as 6th weeks old. Nevertheless, the presence of extensive lignification bound on the structural carbohydrate inhibited the IVDMD. Silver Napier had no advantages in term of DMY and nutritive value over the other cultivars. Therefore, Dwarf Napier could be harvested on 6th week (maximize CP content) or 8th week old (maximize DMY) since there was no changed (P>0.05) in IVDMD. Red Napier is suggested to be harvested on 8th weeks old to maximize the DMY. Common Napier was best harvested at 6th weeks where the highest DMY can be attained without incur further losses in term of nutritive value.

Napier grass was first introduced to Malaysia in the 1920’s and there were many cultivars introduced in Malaysia since 1950’s. However, there is a need to have comparative evaluation of these Napier cultivars so that definite recommendations can be made in the choice and management of the respective cultivars. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the in vitro digestibility and gas production characteristic of four Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) cultivars, namely Common, Silver, Red and Dwarf Napier. Common, Silver and Red Napier are classified as tall cultivars while Dwarf Napier is a short cultivar. Gas production was determined at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 32, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h of incubation period and its kinetics was described using the equation p = a + b (1 – e–ct). Dwarf Napier had the highest (P < 0.05) nutritive quality (16% CP; 75% IVDMD and 73% IVOMD) among the cultivars. Overall, tall cultivars were higher (P < 0.05) in NDF, ADF, and ADL content than Dwarf Napier cultivar. The potential gas production (A+B) at 96 h incubation period was higher (P < 0.05) in Dwarf Napier cultivar (65 mL/200 mg DM) compared to other tall cultivars (< 57 mL/200 mg DM). There were no significance differences (P > 0.05) in the rate of gas production (C) of Napier cultivars which ranged from 0.024 to 0.035 h-1. The metabolisable energy (ME) was significantly higher in Dwarf and Red Napier cultivars (8.7 MJ/kg DM) compared to Silver and Common Napier cultivars. The cumulative gas production within 32 h was highest (P< 0.05) in Red and Dwarf Napier cultivars. The total VFA concentration, acetic and butyric acid content of Napier cultivars (P>0.05) ranged from 52 to 73 mM, 88 to 70%, 6.2 to 6.8%, respectively.. Dwarf Napier cultivar had superior nutritional quality. Dwarf and Red Napier cultivars could be classified as high quality grasses due to their high digestibility, gas production and degradation rates compared to the other cultivars. The low quality of Common and Silver Napi

Napier grass was first introduced to Malaysia in the 1920’s and there were many cultivars introduced in Malaysia since 1950’s. However, there is a need to have comparative evaluation of these Napier cultivars so that definite recommendations can be made in the choice and management of the respective cultivars. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the in vitro digestibility and gas production characteristic of four Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) cultivars, namely Common, Silver, Red and Dwarf Napier. Common, Silver and Red Napier are classified as tall cultivars while Dwarf Napier is a short cultivar. Gas production was determined at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 32, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h of incubation period and its kinetics was described using the equation p = a + b (1 – e–ct). Dwarf Napier had the highest (P < 0.05) nutritive quality (16% CP; 75% IVDMD and 73% IVOMD) among the cultivars. Overall, tall cultivars were higher (P < 0.05) in NDF, ADF, and ADL content than Dwarf Napier cultivar. The potential gas production (A+B) at 96 h incubation period was higher (P < 0.05) in Dwarf Napier cultivar (65 mL/200 mg DM) compared to other tall cultivars (< 57 mL/200 mg DM). There were no significance differences (P > 0.05) in the rate of gas production (C) of Napier cultivars which ranged from 0.024 to 0.035 h-1. The metabolisable energy (ME) was significantly higher in Dwarf and Red Napier cultivars (8.7 MJ/kg DM) compared to Silver and Common Napier cultivars. The cumulative gas production within 32 h was highest (P< 0.05) in Red and Dwarf Napier cultivars. The total VFA concentration, acetic and butyric acid content of Napier cultivars (P>0.05) ranged from 52 to 73 mM, 88 to 70%, 6.2 to 6.8%, respectively.. Dwarf Napier cultivar had superior nutritional quality. Dwarf and Red Napier cultivars could be classified as high quality grasses due to their high digestibility, gas production and degradation rates compared to the other cultivars. The low quality of Common and Silver Napi

Napier grass was first introduced to Malaysia in the 1920’s and there were many cultivars introduced in Malaysia since 1950’s. However, there is a need to have comparative evaluation of these Napier cultivars so that definite recommendations can be made in the choice and management of the respective cultivars. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the in vitro digestibility and gas production characteristic of four Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) cultivars, namely Common, Silver, Red and Dwarf Napier. Common, Silver and Red Napier are classified as tall cultivars while Dwarf Napier is a short cultivar. Gas production was determined at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 32, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h of incubation period and its kinetics was described using the equation p = a + b (1 – e–ct). Dwarf Napier had the highest (P < 0.05) nutritive quality (16% CP; 75% IVDMD and 73% IVOMD) among the cultivars. Overall, tall cultivars were higher (P < 0.05) in NDF, ADF, and ADL content than Dwarf Napier cultivar. The potential gas production (A+B) at 96 h incubation period was higher (P < 0.05) in Dwarf Napier cultivar (65 mL/200 mg DM) compared to other tall cultivars (< 57 mL/200 mg DM). There were no significance differences (P > 0.05) in the rate of gas production (C) of Napier cultivars which ranged from 0.024 to 0.035 h-1. The metabolisable energy (ME) was significantly higher in Dwarf and Red Napier cultivars (8.7 MJ/kg DM) compared to Silver and Common Napier cultivars. The cumulative gas production within 32 h was highest (P< 0.05) in Red and Dwarf Napier cultivars. The total VFA concentration, acetic and butyric acid content of Napier cultivars (P>0.05) ranged from 52 to 73 mM, 88 to 70%, 6.2 to 6.8%, respectively.. Dwarf Napier cultivar had superior nutritional quality. Dwarf and Red Napier cultivars could be classified as high quality grasses due to their high digestibility, gas production and degradation rates compared to the other cultivars. The low quality of Common and Silver Napi

An experiment was conducted to assess the yield and nutritive value of four Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) cultivars (Common, Silver, Red and Dwarf Napier) harvested at three different ages (4th, 6th and 8th weeks old). The interaction of cultivars and harvesting ages (P<0.05) was observed on dry matter yield (DMY) and nutritive value. Napier cultivars with the highest nutritive value were observed at the early age of cutting, 4th weeks old. Consequently, limited DMY obtained at the early age of growth. Dwarf Napier had superior quality (P<0.05), in particular the crude protein (CP) content and in-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) across the harvesting age. Red Napier yielded highest DMY (6.1 tonnes/ha/cut) at 8th weeks old with the highest nutritive value observed among the tall cultivars across the harvesting age. The DMY of Common Napier peaked (5.7 tonnes/ha/cut) as early as 6th weeks old. Nevertheless, the presence of extensive lignification bound on the structural carbohydrate inhibited the IVDMD. Silver Napier had no advantages in term of DMY and nutritive value over the other cultivars. Therefore, Dwarf Napier could be harvested on 6th week (maximize CP content) or 8th week old (maximize DMY) since there was no changed (P>0.05) in IVDMD. Red Napier is suggested to be harvested on 8th weeks old to maximize the DMY. Common Napier was best harvested at 6th weeks where the highest DMY can be attained without incur further losses in term of nutritive value.

Napier grass was first introduced to Malaysia in the 1920’s and there were many cultivars introduced in Malaysia since 1950’s. However, there is a need to have comparative evaluation of these Napier cultivars so that definite recommendations can be made in the choice and management of the respective cultivars. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the in vitro digestibility and gas production characteristic of four Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) cultivars, namely Common, Silver, Red and Dwarf Napier. Common, Silver and Red Napier are classified as tall cultivars while Dwarf Napier is a short cultivar. Gas production was determined at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 32, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h of incubation period and its kinetics was described using the equation p = a + b (1 – e–ct). Dwarf Napier had the highest (P < 0.05) nutritive quality (16% CP; 75% IVDMD and 73% IVOMD) among the cultivars. Overall, tall cultivars were higher (P < 0.05) in NDF, ADF, and ADL content than Dwarf Napier cultivar. The potential gas production (A+B) at 96 h incubation period was higher (P < 0.05) in Dwarf Napier cultivar (65 mL/200 mg DM) compared to other tall cultivars (< 57 mL/200 mg DM). There were no significance differences (P > 0.05) in the rate of gas production (C) of Napier cultivars which ranged from 0.024 to 0.035 h-1. The metabolisable energy (ME) was significantly higher in Dwarf and Red Napier cultivars (8.7 MJ/kg DM) compared to Silver and Common Napier cultivars. The cumulative gas production within 32 h was highest (P< 0.05) in Red and Dwarf Napier cultivars. The total VFA concentration, acetic and butyric acid content of Napier cultivars (P>0.05) ranged from 52 to 73 mM, 88 to 70%, 6.2 to 6.8%, respectively.. Dwarf Napier cultivar had superior nutritional quality. Dwarf and Red Napier cultivars could be classified as high quality grasses due to their high digestibility, gas production and degradation rates compared to the other cultivars. The low quality of Common and Silver Napi

Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is a species of perennial grass that has been used as ruminant feed because of high dry matter yield and most suitable for cut and carry to feed the animals. The napier stem also being traded among farmers and the planting materials has been sending via transportation and post. The problem begin when the purchased Napier grass stem cutting has to be hold for inspection and holding purpose. The plant can be wilt and half dead due to longer time before reach the customer‘s hand. The present study was conducted to generate new information regards on the best medium to be used for packaging plant stem cutting for postage and transportation purpose. The objective of the study is to identify the survival rate of Napier grass cutting after being pack in 5 different types of medium and keep for 1 month, where 100 mature Napier stem cutting, which consist of 50 samples of upper part and 50 samples of lower part in 5 different medium which are sawdust, paper wrapping, plastic wrapping, vacuum plastic and short immersion into fungicide. The entire packed Napier grass stem cuttings are then being postage and kept in the box for 1 month, and after 1 month of storage, the packed stem cutting was open and observed for the survival rate.

Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is a species of perennial grass that has been used as ruminant feed because of high dry matter yield and most suitable for cut and carry to feed the animals. The napier stem also being traded among farmers and the planting materials has been sending via transportation and post. The problem begin when the purchased Napier grass stem cutting has to be hold for inspection and holding purpose. The plant can be wilt and half dead due to longer time before reach the customer‘s hand. The present study was conducted to generate new information regards on the best medium to be used for packaging plant stem cutting for postage and transportation purpose. The objective of the study is to identify the survival rate of Napier grass cutting after being pack in 5 different types of medium and keep for 1 month, where 100 mature Napier stem cutting, which consist of 50 samples of upper part and 50 samples of lower part in 5 different medium which are sawdust, paper wrapping, plastic wrapping, vacuum plastic and short immersion into fungicide. The entire packed Napier grass stem cuttings are then being postage and kept in the box for 1 month, and after 1 month of storage, the packed stem cutting was open and observed for the survival rate.