Seasonal Variation in Productivity and Nutritive Value of Napier Grass at Muguga, Kenya

Abstract

There has been a renewed interest in the use of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) forage for ruminant feed in East Africa. Studies conducted earlier tended to concentrate on the agronomy of the grass. Dry matter yields, height and frequency of harvesting and responses to various fertilizer treatments have been extensively elucidated in East Mrica and elsewhere (Caro-Costa and VicenteChandler, 1961; Mwakha, 1972; Mugerwa and Ogwang, 1976; Goldson, 1977; Karanja, 1981).