EFFECT OF HARVESTING AGE ON THE PROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF CONGO GRASS (Brachiaria ruziziensis)

Abstract

This study was carried out in crop production research farm at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Main Campus Gubi, Bauchi State to determine the effect of cutting age of on the proximate composition of Congo grass. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Brachiaria ruziziensis was planted as a sole crop, at an intra row spacing of 30cm and intra row spacing of 60cm. The pasture was sampled at 6,8,10 and 12 weeks post-emergence. Harvesting stage significantly (P<0.05) affected crude protein, crude fibre, Ash and Ether extract. On the other hand, treatment effect was not significant (P>0.05) for dry matter. The crude protein (CP) values ranged from 7.68% at week 12 to 10.89% at week 8. The crude protein decline significantly from 10.89% to 7.68% in week 8 and 12 respectively, while the crude fibre was high at week 12, 36.24% and low at week 6 to 29.34%. Harvesting age significantly (P<0.05) affected phosphorus composition of the grass. On the other hand, harvesting stage was not significantly different (P>0.05) for calcium composition. Brachiaria ruziziensis has high crude protein of 10.89 at week 8, ether extract of 9.46% at week 8, crude fibre of 36.24% and ash of 9.46% at week 8. Harvesting stage significantly (P<0.05) affected phosphorus composition of the grass. It is recommended that Brachiaria ruziziensis should be harvested at week 12 for higher crude fibre and dry matter. For higher crude protein and phosphorus composition, Brachiaria ruziziensis should be harvested at week 8.