Effect of Different Cutting Intervals on Yield and Chemical Composition of Napier-Bajra Hybrid (NB-21) Fodder
B. H. Patel
Department of Animal Nutrition, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand Campus, Anand
Corresponding author
L. P. Purohit
Department of Animal Nutrition, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand Campus, Anand
B. M. Patel
Department of Animal Nutrition, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand Campus, Anand
P. C. Shukla
Department of Animal Nutrition, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand Campus, Anand
Abstract
In order to decide harvesting interval of NB-21 fodder to get maximum green, dry matter as well as nutrient yields, an experiment was conducted with three cutting interval treatments of 30, 40 and 50 days for a period of 600 days. The results of chemical composition revealed that crude protein, ether extract and carotene contents were higher with 30 days cutting interval as compared with 40 and 50 days cutting intervals, while reverse trend was observed for C. fibre and NFE contents. No striking difference for calcium content was noted. Dry matter yield of the fodder was significantly higher by 31% and 52% with 40 and 50 days cutting intervals respectively as compared with 30 days cutting inter-val. Nutrients yield except for protein and carotene followed similar trend. The results of present study indicated that maximum green, dry matter as well as nutrients yield can be obtained by harvesting NB-21 fodder between 40 and 50 days intervals.