Effect of moisture supply, maturity and supplementation with soyabean meal on digestibility of Napier grass fed to sheep

Abstract

In Naivasha (1940-m altitude), Kenya, the digestibility of Napier grass (var. Bana) was determined from the 3rd to 15th week of growth under 2 watering regimes which simulated the medium (800 mm) and high (1200 mm) rainfall areas of Kenya. Effects of supplementation with soybean meal were also determined. Watering regime, maturity and supplementation affected digestibility of the grass. Digestibility was increased by supplementation from the 5th and 6th week of growth for the low and high irrigation rates, respectively. It was concluded that Napier grass should not be used for milk production beyond 11 and 12 weeks of growth in the medium and high rainfall areas, respectively.