Effect of cutting schedules and varieties on growth, yield and quality of perennial pasture grasses grown in hot arid region

A field experiment conducted during 2000 on coarse sandy soil with limited irrigation revealed that sewan (Lasiurus sindicus) grass showed the highest plant height, number of tillers/plant, tussock diameter and dry fodder yield (40.2 q/ha) and values were significantly more than dhaman grass (Cenchrus ciliaris). Half-yearly cutting schedule resulted in significantly higher dry fodder yield than annual cutting schedule. ‘CAZRI’ Mutant 30 -5’ variety of sewan gave significantly more dry fodder yield (44.4 q/ha) than other sewan as well as dhaman varieties. Among dhaman varieties, ‘CAZRI 75’ gave higher dry fodder yield (39.2 q/ha) than ‘CAZRI 358’ and ‘CAZRI 1106’. Protein content (12.25%) and protein yield (476.6 kg/ha) were significantly higher in sewan grass than dhaman grass (11.79% and 390.6 kg/ha). Half-yearly cutting schedule provided significantly superior quality dry fodder than annual cutting schedule.