Degradability and chemical composition of napier grass offered to and refused by goats

Alek Tuen Andrew, . (1995) Degradability and chemical composition of napier grass offered to and refused by goats. [Proceedings Paper]

The degradability and composition of napier grass Pennisetum purpureum tops were studied in relation to its preference by goats. Dry matter solubility and potential degradability were significantly lower p0.05in the offered napier tops compared to the refusals. Degradation rate of the napier tops was also shower than that of the refusals but this was not significant p0.05. Compared to the refusals the napier tops had higherconcentration of N Ca P Mg and Cu. The napier tops also had higher fibre content and this might have contributed to its low degradability. The study shows that preference for the leafy part of napier grass tops bt goat was not related to superior degradation characteristics of the leaf compared to stem. A combination of cognitive and palatability factors as well as differences in nutritive value of the diffenrent part of the plant may have played a role in determining the feeding behaviour of goats in this study.

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Abstract

The degradability and composition of napier grass Pennisetum purpureum tops were studied in relation to its preference by goats. Dry matter solubility and potential degradability were significantly lower p0.05in the offered napier tops compared to the refusals. Degradation rate of the napier tops was also shower than that of the refusals but this was not significant p0.05. Compared to the refusals the napier tops had higherconcentration of N Ca P Mg and Cu. The napier tops also had higher fibre content and this might have contributed to its low degradability. The study shows that preference for the leafy part of napier grass tops bt goat was not related to superior degradation characteristics of the leaf compared to stem. A combination of cognitive and palatability factors as well as differences in nutritive value of the diffenrent part of the plant may have played a role in determining the feeding behaviour of goats in this study.

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
AGROVOC Term:	GOATS
AGROVOC Term:	PENNISETUM PURPUREUM
AGROVOC Term:	FORAGE
AGROVOC Term:	METHODS
AGROVOC Term:	DEGRADATION
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Suzila Mohamad Kasim
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:13
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/11142

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