Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) often contains high levels of nitrate and other NPN compounds. During silage fermentation it is likely that nitrosamines are formed which are well known carcinogens. An investigation on kikuyu silage confirmed the presence of at least…
A series of 12 in vivo digestibility trials, using two-tooth Merino wethers were conducted on freshly-cut green kikuyu herbage. Samples of this herbage were analysed by proximate and acid-detergent analysis. A close relationship was found between crude fibre (CF) and…
The relationship between the chemical composition of kikuyu and the dry matter intake (DMI), digestibility of the chemical fractions and digestible organic matter (DOM) of kikuyu was investigated. The chemical composition and in vivo digestibility of kikuyu were determined throughout…
The relationship between nitrogen and other components in kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) from long-established pastures was investigated. Leaf material, when compared to stem tissue, was higher in total organic nitrogen and protein content, but lower in non-protein organic nitrogen, nitrate,…
Dietary selection trials were conducted on kikuyu pastures while being grazed for a period of 3,5 days in a four-week rotation, at stocking rates of 3,5 6,2 and 8,3 animals per hectare. The pasture was fertilized with 210 kg N…
The seasonal growth pattern and dry matter (DM) yield of bana grass (Pennisetum purpureum x P. americanum) was compared with that of kikuyu (P. clandestinum) under irrigation. In addition, the yield and chemical composition of bana grass at different stages…
Bana grass (Pennisetum purpureum x P. amerieanum) was compared with kikuyu (P. clandestinum) and forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) with respect to quality of samples ;elected by four oesophageally fistulated steers. Hand-cut samples of the three forages were also compared…
The n alkane marker (dosed marker, dotriacontane, C32, herbage markers C31, C33 and C35) technique was evaluated for use in feed intake and digestibility studies with horses. The mean retention time of digesta in the digestive tract was determined in…
Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) is a summer growing tropical pasture species well adapted to the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal. Kikuyu foggage (standing hay) could play an important role in a fodder flow programme to sustain dry ewes during late winter after their…
The alkane method of measuring herbage intake in ruminants was compared with actual intake determined by transponder-controlled feed gates (Calan gates). Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) intakes of yearling bulls (Holstein-Friesland and Hereford) were measured for a period of seven days. No…
The selenium (Se) status of lambs grazing kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) or ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands was determined during four trials and their growth response to Se supplementation was measured. Two methods of Se supplementation were evaluated using…
The investigation entailed four trials in which selenium (Se) was supplemented to lambs grazing kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) pastures during two summer periods or Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) pastures during two winter periods. Two methods of supplementing the lambs were tested,…
