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Abstract
This review focuses on the introduction and investigation of pangola grass as a tropical forage species especially in Thailand. Pangola grass (Digitaria eriantha Steud., synonym D. decumbens) is one of recent examples of grasses that have been successfully introduced to Southeast Asia and is often considered as one of the highest quality tropical grasses popularly grown as pasture. Pangola grass is utilized extensively as grass for animal grazing, hay and silage making. Its crude protein content is commonly in the order of 5 to 14% of dry matter and may exceed 15% of dry matter with young regrowth under high fertilization. It has been documented that the type and number of ruminants receiving pangola grass can determine the success of its use. Results obtained when pangola grass in fresh, hay or silage form was fed to ruminant animals as supplements showed better performances in body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass yield, meat quality, and milk yield and composition. In conclusion, pangola grass is a promising forage and a source of high quality feed for ruminant animals in tropical countries.
Highlights
In several developing countries, ruminant animals are the major contributors to draught power and are increasingly important as a source of meat, milk, and other livestock products
Livestock contribute 10 to 45% to the gross domestic product (GDP) in the developing world, and this contribution is higher if the value of draught power is included in the calculation
Thailand, which lies between 5°30' and 20°30'N and 98° and 105°E, has approximately 0.6 million dairy cattle, 6.5 million beef cattle and 1.2 million buffalo; about 3.4 million families raise these animals on 184,400 ha of forage (Department of Livestock Development 2011), mostly on natural pastures and crop residues
Summary
Ruminant animals are the major contributors to draught power and are increasingly important as a source of meat, milk, and other livestock products. This review focuses on pangola grass with regard to description of its origin and distribution, historical highlights in Thailand, chemical composition, nutritive values and utilization by ruminant animals.
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