Biomass yield and quality of Congo and Rhodes grasses in Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria for ruminant animal production

Abstract

Abstract The study was conducted to evaluate forage dry matter and nutrient contents of Congo grass (Urochloa ruziziensis) and Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) in the Northern Guinea savanna of Nigeria for livestock production. A two (two grass species) by three years (2019, 2020 and 2021) factorial design was used. The experimental design was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design with four replicates. The forage crops were harvested at early bloom stage in each year. Urochloa ruziznsis was greater (p < 0.05) in plant height, number of tillers and leaves per plant compared to C. gayana. Foarge dry matter yield (14.1 t/ha) and Crude protein yield (1.7 t/ha) were also higher in U. ruziensis. The year 2020 produced higher dry matter yield, while the lowest value was recorded in the year establishment year (2019). On the other hand, C. gayana had higher (p < 0.05) fibre contents than U. ruziziensis. There was positive correlation between dry matter yield and the phonological variables, while a negative correlation existed between crude protein and crude fiber. The forage legumes an provide the basic nutrient requirement for maintenance in ruminants when fed with the two grasses, but the feeds should be supplemented with higher protein content feeds for highly production such as fattening and lactating animals. Overall, U. ruziziensis showed valuable forage grass in terms of dry matter yield and quality than C. gayana in the environment considered.