Yield and nutritional value of Cenchrus purpureus VC Maralfalfa grass.

Objective: Characterize the yield traits and nutritional values of Maralfalfa grass (Pennisetum glaucum L. × P. purpureum Schumacher), under humid tropical conditions. Design/methodology/approach: The study was carried out in the Germplasm Bank from Rosario Izapa Experimental Unit, plant height, number of tillers, and fresh herbage and dry matter production were evaluated. Crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of grass samples were determined at 28, 42, 56, 70, 84 and 97 days. Results: Plant height, number of trillers, and fresh herbage and dry matter production increased as cutting age increased. In relation to the nutritional value, the crude protein content decreased as the cutting age increased, but the NDF and ADF content increased, consequently, the DVDMS decreased. Limitations of the study/implications: The study was carried out in the humid tropics; the evaluation is required to be carried out under dry tropic conditions. Findings/conclusions: The appropriate harvest time of Maralfalfa grass in humid tropical conditions is between 42 and 56 days of regrowth, whereas nutritional values decrease over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]