Monthly Variation in the Chemical Composition of Spear Grass (<I>Heteropogon contortus</I>)

Abstract

An inlensive study was undertaken to estimate the nutritive value of herbage of Heteropogon contortus (L.) P.B. eams. Herbage samples Were analysed for crude protein, calcium, phosphorus, fat, fibre and total ash. The highest nutritive value was found in September due to lush growth of the species. While calcium in the leaves and Siems averaged 0.84% well in excess of the 0.2 to 0.3% required in an animals diel, phosphorus averaged 0 13% i.e., slightly less than the 0.16% required. Values for crude pm!ein and fat were comparable to those for well known green fodder alfalfa during August to October months of rainy season.