Nutritive Value of Ratoon Regrown Hybrid Napier (NB-21) Reddy G. Jangi, Reddy B. Seshi Department of Feed and Fodder Technology, College of Veterinary Science, A.P. Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, India Online published on 21 January, 2012. Abstract The DM, OM, CF, NDF, ADF, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and silica contents increased while the CP, F.E., NFE, CC, TA, Ca and P contents decreased with progressive maturity of ratoon regrown hybrid napier (NB-21). The fodder harvested atl4-15 weeks was more fibrous and low in CP content compared to 8-9 weeks harvested material. The palatability of the fodder at 8-9 and 11-12 week cut was fairly good and higher (P <0.01) compared to 14-15 week cut. Three digestion trials on Murrah heifers conducted with ratoon regrown hybrid napier (NB-21) at 8-9, 11-12 and 14-15 week growth indicated that the digestibility of nutrients decreased with progressive maturity of the crop. The DCP and TDN content of 8-9 weeks was higher (P< 0,01) than those of 11-12 and 14-15 weeks and the DCP contentof 14-15 weeks was lower (P< 0.01) than that of 11-12 weeks. The results suggested that ratoon regrown hybrid napier (NB-21) fodder need be harvested at 8-9 weeks for effective utilization of nutrients. Top |