Adaptability, forage yield, nutritional quality and economic feasibility of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum L. Schumach.) varieties at different harvesting days

Abstract Napier grass ( Pennisetum purpureum L.schumach. ), is a warm-season perennial grass, which is widely planted in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The grass species could play an important role in providing a significant amount of dry matter yield to the livestock. This study was initiated to evaluate the forage yield and nutritional value of three Napier grass varieties, namely Zehone-02, Zehone-03, and a local check, at different harvesting days in Arba Minch. The study was conducted using 3*3*2 factorial arrangements in randomized complete block design representing the three Napier grass varieties, three levels of harvesting days (30, 50 and 70 days) and two growing years (2022 and 2023).The data on, plant height (PH), number of leaf (LN), leaf length (LL), tiller numbers (TN), leaf to stem ratio (LSR), basal circumference per plant(BCPP), dry matter yield (DMY) and nutritional qualities was collected. Plant height, leaf number and length were influenced ( p < 0.05) by both variety and harvesting days. Higher ( p < 0.05) values of PH (219.90 cm) were recorded for Zehone-03 variety compared with the local (200.53 cm). Higher ( p < 0.05) BCPP values (108.44 cm) recorded at advanced stage of plant growth (70 days of harvest). Forage dry matter yield was not affected by variety but it was significantly ( p < 0.05) influenced by harvesting days. Crude protein (CP) contents of the three Napier grass varieties significantly ( p < 0.05) varied and Zehone-02 had the higher (13.94%) content of CP. Among the varieties tested, Zehone-02 produced a higher forage dry-matter yield and was found to be economically profitable. Based on these findings, we recommend the adoption of Zehone-02 for forage production to enhance feed availability for livestock in Arba Minch area.