Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) as a Cattle Fodder in Kenya

Abstract

"Elephant Grass" or "Napier's Fodder" is a tall, densely tufted, perennial grass which grows from 6 ft. to 20 ft. high, according to the altitude or the climate in which it is grown. The stems are about in. thick and the leaf blades, which are often slightly hairy, are 1 ft. to 3 ft. long and 1 in. wide. The midrib is stout. The grass is indigenous to Uganda, Kenya Colony and Tanganyika Territory and makes its maximum growth when growing at the sides of watercourses, where moisture is readily available; it will not, however, tolerate drained conditions and stagnant water.