Nutritive Value of Hybrid Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) for Goats

Nutritive value of hybrid napier grass (Pennisetum purrureum) was determined in local goats (18.8±3.3 kg). DM consumption was 1.86±0.26% of BW indicating poor palatability of the grass. The grass contained 6.54% DCP, 39.38% TDN and 22.73% SE and possessed NR of 5.02, on DM basis. As against a recommended level of 2.5 g DCF and 30 g TDN, the eaimals sonsumed d.53 g DCP and 15.25 g TDN/kg W^0.75 indicating a deficient intake of TDN. The daiiy retentton or loss of minerals and nitrogen indicated a marginally positive balance for Ca (+0.26g) and P (+0.176g) and a negative retention for N (−0.12 g). It is hence concluded, since the grass could not even meet the maintenance requirement of the adult goats, it cannot be recommended as a sole roughage for goats.