PROXIMATE COMPOSITION AND YIELD OF SIGNAL GRASS (Brachiaria decumbens) AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF POST-EMERGENCE GROWTH

This study evaluated the post-emergence growth performance, yield, and nutritional composition of Brachiaria decumbens over three months to determine the optimal harvesting stage. The grass was established in a prepared seedbed, transplanted at a 20cm x 20cm spacing, and managed under rain-fed conditions. Monthly harvests were conducted from the first to the third month post-transplanting. The harvested forage was shade-dried and analyzed for proximate composition using AOAC and fibre fractions Van Soest method, The results showed a significant (p54% and >43%, respectively) across all stages. The findings demonstrate a clear quantity-quality trade-off. Harvesting at the 3rd month maximizes biomass yield for roughage supply, while the 1st month provides superior forage quality suitable for high-performance livestock. Management recommendations must therefore align harvest timing with specific livestock production objectives.