Effects of nitrogen fertilization and cutting height on the forage yield and feeding value of Eleusine indica in the dry season in Nepal

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the regrowth characteristics, crude protein (CP) content, and feeding value of Eleusine indica grass during the dry season in Nepal. The grass was cultivated using three different levels of N fertilization (0, 50, and 100 kg ha−1) and cutting heights (2, 4, and 6 cm above the ground) in a 3 × 3 factorial design. The forage yield, number of tillers per plant, and CP content of the grass were determined. A digestibility trial was conducted with six local, female Khari goats (15 ± 1.7 kg body weight) in a cross‐over design to compare the feeding value of E. indica with local forages. A comparatively higher forage yield, number of tillers per plant, and CP content were obtained with 100 kg N ha−1. However, the forage yield and CP content were not significantly affected by the cutting height. With different levels of N fertilization and cutting heights, the cumulative forage yield in five harvests during the dry season (December to May) ranged from 1.83–3.82 t dry matter ha−1. The digestibility coefficients of the dry matter, CP, crude fiber, and ether extract content of E. indica for goats were 0.54, 0.67, 0.70, and 0.54, respectively. The nutrient digestibility and palatability of E. indica were comparable to that of the mixed local forages. Hence, E. indica in conjunction with a sound N fertilization practise potentially can be utilized as an approach to overcome the problem of green forage scarcity, especially during the dry winter season in regions that have a tropical climate.