Abstract:
Less availability of good quality green forages has led to low productivity from
national dairy herd of Sri Lanka. Growing fodder to suit the particular production
system is an efficient and economical solution for this problem. Hybrid Napier var.
CO-3 is a high yielding perennial fodder grass developed by the Tamil Nadu
Agricultural University, Coimbatoor, India in 1997. The Livestock Breeding Project
introduced this fodder crop to Sri Lanka in 1999.
This grass is placed in a higher category, especially on tillering capacity, green
forage yield, regeneration capacity, leaf to stem ratio, crude protein content, in
resistance of pest and diseases and in free from adverse factors along with other
fodder varieties grown in the country. It recorded an average green fodder of 5 – 8
kg/plant/cut or 250 -350 t/ha/yr under local conditions. Under this situation, nearly a
block of 500 grass bushes (approximately 500 m2
or 20 perches land area) is
adequate to supply year-round quality fodder without concentrates for two milking
cows.
This grass is propagated through root-slips or stem-cuttings and could be maintained
as a perennial crop up to 4 - 5 years. Endowed with quick regeneration capacity, it
can be harvested once in 30 - 45 days. Proper management practice together with
correct application of fertilizer, irrigation in drought spells, cutting at the suitable
height and interval is essential for maximum profit and persistence of the crop. When
harvested at correct stage, CO-3 grass contains 18 -20% dry matter and 15 –16%
crude proteins, 9.8 – 12.8% ash, 34 – 37% crude fiber and 74 – 78% neutral
detergent fiber on dry matter basis. Surprisingly high crude protein content is one of
a distinctive feature of this grass.
The Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Research Institute,
Gannoruwa and Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of
Peradeniya have launched research and development activities under field situation
to investigate the potentials and limitations under on-farm conditions and popularize
the grass among small holders.
