Pennisetum Purpureum Schumach Research Articles

Optimizing Energy and Protein Contents in A Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala lam.) Leaf-Based Concentrate for Dairy Goats Fed Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum schumach) Basal Diet in Kenya

Dairy goats provide food and financial security through their milk and meat. The main basal diet for confined dairy goats in Kenya is Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach). However, optimal milk production is hampered by the high cost of protein and energy supplements that are required while feeding the grass. The protein supplement affordability is of greater limitation among farmers, therefore use of protein-rich forages in a supplement can lower the concentrate cost. Information on the optimal protein and energy inclusion levels in a forage-based concentrate for dairy goats is hardly available in Kenya. A study was therefore conducted whereby Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala Lam.) leaf hay was used as the main protein source in four concentrates formulated with crude protein (CP) content (gkg-1) and metabolizable energy (ME) levels (MJkg-1), respectively, of: 135, 12; 160, 10; 185, 8; and 210, 6; respectively. A fifth supplement was formulated, representing the commonly used cattle dairy meal (160 g CPkg-1 DM and 10 MJ MEkg-1 DM, respectively), using commercial sunflower seedcake as a protein source. The concentrates were fed at 300 gday-1 to lactating Toggenburg dairy goats on Napier grass basal diet, in a 5 x 5 Latin square design. The total dry matter intake by the goats was 1.059-1.128 kg DM/goat day-1, with a milk production of 221.3-285.5 mL/goat day-1. It was concluded that the appropriate CP and ME levels in the Leucaena-based concentrate are 135 gkg-1 DM and 12 MJkg-1 DM, respectively. It was recommended that other protein-rich forages be explored

Improvements in fermentation and nutritive quality of elephant grass [Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone] silages: a review.

Elephant grass [Pennisetum purpureum Schumach. syn. Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone], also known as Napier grass and King grass, includes varieties Taiwán, Gigante, Merkerón, Maralfalfa, and others. The grass achieves high biomass production in tropical-subtropical, temperate, and arid areas. The high-water concentration of elephant grass suggests that ensiling could offer an alternative way to preserve the nutritional quality of the grass during storage, however, some considerations should be addressed because of the particularities of the grass. Ensiling elephant grass may produce adequate fermentation but could suffer effluent losses and subsequent losses of nutrients due to leaching. To improve fermentation and nutrient characteristics of elephant grass silages, several studies were conducted with the inclusion of additives. Lactic acid bacteria inocula have reduced pH and increased crude protein content of elephant grass silage, but aerobic stability of silages could be affected by the bacterial inoculation. There is limited information, however, on the potential of different silage inoculants to reduce growth of spoilage microorganisms during the aerobic phase of silage prepared with elephant grass. Exogenous fibrolytic enzymes also may improve elephant grass silage quality by enhancing microbial fiber-degradation with subsequent increase in lactic acid and its associated pH reduction. Another study approach to improve fermentation and nutritional quality of elephant grass silages involved the addition of different feeds at ensiling, including conventional feeds such corn, wheat, rice bran, and molasses or alternative feeds such as different dehydrated by-products obtained from the food industries of juice and jelly. In the manuscript, the presented scientific information shows the great potential of the different manipulations to improve the quality of elephant grass silages and with possible enhance of the economic profit and sustainability of livestock farming in the tropical areas.

Effect of micro irrigation and crop establishment methods on growth, physiological parameters, quality, and production of bajra napier hybrid grass CO (BN) 5 (Pennisetum glaucum L. × Pennisetum purpureum schumach)

Effect of micro irrigation and crop establishment methods on growth, physiological parameters, quality, and production of bajra napier hybrid grass CO (BN) 5 (Pennisetum glaucum L. × Pennisetum purpureum schumach)

Recent advances in the processing of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) as a potential bioenergy crop for bioethanol production

Pennisetum purpureum is an easily cultivated fast-growing perennial grass with great potential as a bioenergy crop due to its high biomass production. Recent advancements in the processing of P. purpureum for the generation of bioethanol are highlighted in this review paper. Various pretreatment methods, namely, enzymatic, acid, and alkaline pretreatment have been investigated to enhance the efficiency of cellulose hydrolysis, which is a crucial step in bioethanol production. Moreover, genetic engineering approaches for enhancing the biomass yield and reducing the lignin are being discussed in this review. The production of bioethanol can be increased by several fermentation processes, including saccharification, separated hydrolysis, simultaneous saccharification, and fermentation. This comprehensive review explores recent advancements in bioethanol production, encompassing technological innovations, diversification of feedstock sources, genetic engineering methodologies, inventive pretreatment techniques, refinements in enzymatic hydrolysis, and enhancements in fermentation, ultimately highlighting the potential of P. purpureum as a sustainable bioethanol source while addressing the challenges and opportunities in its commercial-scale production.

Purple Napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) Hot Water Extracts Ameliorate High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity and Metabolic Disorders in Mice.

Purple Pennisetum (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach), a hybrid between Taihucao No. 2 and the local wild species of purple Pennisetum, has dark red stems and leaves due to its anthocyanin content. This study explores the potential of purple napiergrass extracts (PNE) in alleviating obesity and metabolic disorders induced by a high-fat diet in mice, where 50% of the caloric content is derived from fat. Mice were orally administered low-dose or high-dose PNE alongside a high-fat diet. Experimental findings indicate that PNE attenuated weight gain, reduced liver, and adipose tissue weight, and lowered blood cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and blood sugar levels. Stained sections showed that PNE inhibited lipid accumulation and fat hypertrophy in the liver. Immunoblotting analysis suggested that PNE improved the inflammatory response associated with obesity, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia induced by a high-fat diet. Furthermore, PNE potentially functions as a PPAR-γ agonist, increasing the adiponectin (ADIPOQ) concentration and suppressing inflammatory factors, while elevating the anti-inflammatory factor interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the liver. PNE-treated mice showed enhanced activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways and increased fatty acid oxidation and liver lipolysis. In conclusion, this study elucidated the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory, PI3K/Akt, and AMPK pathways in a high-fat diet-induced obesity model. These findings highlight the potential of PNE in reducing weight, inhibiting inflammation, and improving blood sugar and lipid levels, showing the potential for addressing obesity-related metabolic disorders in humans.

Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) management strategies for dairy and meat production in the tropics and subtropics: yield and nutritive value.

Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) comprises up to 80% of the cattle diet in many tropical and subtropical regions and is used primarily by smallholder farmers. Despite the grass's high yield, resulting animal productivity from this grass is low. One of the key reasons for the low animal productivity of Napier grass is its low nutritive value under current management. Taken together, previous work has shown the current yield, crude protein (CP), and metabolisable energy (ME) of Napier grass to be 26t dry matter (DM)/ha/year, 96 g/kg DM, and 8.7 MJ/kg DM, respectively, ranging from 2 to 86t DM/ha/year, 9 to 257g CP/kg DM, and 5.9 to 10.8 MJ ME/kg DM, respectively, suggesting an opportunity for significant improvement on both yield and nutritive value of this grass. The DM yield and nutritive value of this grass are inversely related, indicating a trade-off between yield and quality; however, this trade-off could be minimised by increasing sowing density and harvesting frequency. Available literature shows that this simple management strategy of increasing sowing density (50cm × 40cm) and harvesting frequency (11-12 harvests/year) provides 71t DM/ha with 135 g/kg DM CP and 10.8 MJ ME/kg DM. This quality of Napier grass has the potential to increase both milk and meat production substantially in the tropics and subtropics, and the farmers will likely find this simple management acceptable due to the high yield obtained through this management. However, there is a paucity of work in this field. Therefore, management strategies to improve the nutritive value of Napier grass are required to increase milk and meat production in the tropics and subtropics and in doing so improve the food security of more than half of the global population living in these regions.

In Vitro study of the nutritional and pharmacological contribution of Pennisetum purpureum Schumach leaves: Natural food used by guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) breeders in Gabon

In Vitro study of the nutritional and pharmacological contribution of Pennisetum purpureum Schumach leaves: Natural food used by guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) breeders in Gabon

Nutrient digestibility of fibrous feedstuffs in high-concentrate diet with sodium-bicarbonate (NaHCO3) addition in rumen-fistulated Brahman bull

Ruminants are given substantial quantities of concentrate diets full of quickly fermentable carbohydrates to increase output performance; however, it can also lead to digestive disorders. This study aimed to investigate the effect of adding NaCHO3 to a high-concentrate diet on the nutrient digestibility of locally available fibrous feedstuffs in the Philippines. The experiment utilized a rumen-fistulated Brahman bull. The treatment diets were the following: Treatment 1 (T1): Untreated rice (Oryza sativa L.) straw; T2: Urea-treated rice straw; T3: Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach); T4: Napier silage; T5: Sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) tops; and T6: Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica L.). The nylon bags containing the treatment diets were incubated in the rumen at two periods: first at a high-concentrate (70% level), and second at a high concentrate added with NaCHO3). The results showed that the nutrient digestibility of locally-available feedstuffs varies significantly (p<0.05) both with and without NaHCO3. The addition of NaHCO3 in a high-fiber diet improves the digestibility of locally available fibrous feedstuffs in terms of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Therefore, the addition of NaHCO3 to a high-concentrate diet has the potential to positively stabilize rumen pH and enhance the nutrient digestibility of locally available fibrous feedstuffs.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Soil and Vegetation of Niger Delta, Nigeria: Ecological Risk Assessment.

The Niger Delta, Nigeria, is noted for crude oil exploration. Whereas there seems to be a handful of data on soil polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels in this area, there is a paucity of studies that have evaluated soil and vegetation PAHs simultaneously. The present study has addressed this information gap. Fresh Panicum maximum (Jacq) (guinea grass), Pennisetum purpureum Schumach (elephant grass), Zea mays (L.) (maize), and soil samples were collected in triplicate from Choba, Khana, Trans-Amadi, Eleme, Uyo, and Yenagoa. PAHs determination was carried out using GC-MS. The percentage composition of the molecular weight distribution of PAHs, the molecular ratio of selected PAHs for identification of possible sources, and the isomeric ratio and total index of soil were evaluated. Pennisetum purpureum Schumach (elephant grass) from Uyo has the highest (10.0 mg·kg-1) PAH while Panicum maximum (Jacq) (guinea grass) has the highest PAH (32.5 mg·kg-1 from Khana. Zea mays (L.) (maize) from Uyo (46.04%), Pennisetum purpureum Schumach (elephant grass) from Trans-Amadi (47.7%), guinea grass from Eleme (49.2%), and elephant grass from Choba (39.9%) contained the highest percentage of high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs. Soil samples from Yenagoa (53.5%) and Khana (55.3%) showed the highest percentage of HMW PAHs. The total index ranged 0.27-12.4 in Uyo, 0.29-8.69 in Choba, 0.02-10.1 in Khana, 0.01-5.53 in Yenagoa, 0.21-9.52 in Eleme, and 0.13-8.96 in Trans-Amadi. The presence of HMW PAHs and molecular diagnostic ratios suggest PAH pollution from pyrogenic and petrogenic sources. Some soils in the Niger Delta show RQ(NCs) values higher than 800 and require remediation to forestall ecohealth consequences.

PULPING AND PAPERMAKING PROPERTIES OF ZARA PLANT

The fast-growing Zara plant (a putative hybrid of Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.) is usually planted for cattle fodder. For the first time, Zara plant was evaluated for its pulping potential based on anatomical, chemical, and morphological characteristics. This plant was characterized by an acceptable amount of α-cellulose (40.32%) and lignin (18.4%), with medium fiber length (1.09 mm). Soda–anthraquinone (AQ) pulping of Zara plant was investigated. Anatomically, stems of Zara plant had porous structure, mainly composed of vascular bundles surrounded by parenchyma tissue. Consequently, they were easier to delignify and defibrate, and a pulp yield of 46.54% was obtained, with kappa number 15.45 under the conditions of 14% alkali charge for 120 min of cooking at 150 °C. Good papermaking properties were observed, the tensile index was 78.9 N.m/g at 43 °SR. The resulting pulps showed good bleachability in elemental chlorine-free (ECF) bleaching sequences (D0(EP)D1). Pulp brightness of 81.5%, with the viscosity of 16.0 mPaS, was obtained, with the consumption of 25 kg ClO2/ton of pulp.

NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF CUBA OM-22 HYBRID GRASS (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach x Pennisetum glaucum L.) AT THREE CUTTING AGES

At the Central Experimental Station of the Ecuadorian Amazon of INIAP, the nutritional composition of the forage Pennisetum purpureum Schumach x Pennisetum glaucum L was evaluated. (Cuba OM-22) in different cut-off ages (30, 45 and 60 days). There were 12 plots of 6m2 each of approximately six months of establishment, a completely randomized block design (DBCA) was used with three treatments and four repetitions, the variables were subjected to an analysis of variance, the means were evaluated with Tukey's test at 0.05%, in addition a regression and correlation analysis was performed. All the variables studied except dry matter and acid detergent lignin presented significant and highly significant differences; at 30 days of cut-off, the highest nutritional values were found, ash (19.04%), ethereal extract (2.84%), protein (14.20%), FDA (34.67%) and FDN (56.29%). It is concluded that in the forage Cuba OM-22, at 30 days of cutting age presents the highest nutritional values, however, it is considered necessary an adequate management of the crop to guarantee the agronomic development and the persistence of the crop.

Assessing soil conservation techniques on sloping lands in the humid tropics area of Indonesia in the context of maize cultivation

Abstract. Neswati R, Abdullah S, Musa Y, Nasaruddin. 2023. Assessing soil conservation techniques on sloping lands in the humid tropics area of Indonesia in the context of maize cultivation. Biodiversitas 24: 1686-1692. Sloping land is prone to severe erosion, particularly in areas with high precipitation, such as in humid tropics. In addition to slope and rain factors, crop management also influences soil erosion. This research aims to identify the most appropriate techniques to mitigate soil erosion by comparing three different techniques of maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation planted on sloping land in Indonesia's humid tropics. A field experiment was conducted in Gorontalo Regency, Gorontalo Province, Indonesia, in three maize growing seasons at a location with a slope of 15-30%. We used a split-plot design in a randomized block design, with the main factor being conservation techniques, namely no treatment (control) (K0), contour terrace (K1), strip cropping using Pennisetum purpureum Schumach. (K2) and alley cropping using Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth (K3), and the side factor was Z. mays of two varieties: Mixed variety Arjuna BC (H1) and hybrid variety NK-33 (H2). The effects of each treatment were measured in term of soil erosion, and maize growth and productivity. The results showed that the strip cropping resulted in a lower erosion level compared to the contour terrace and alley cropping. However, erosion still exceeded the tolerable soil loss in all conservation techniques. The effects on the growth and production of maize of the two varieties in growing seasons 1, 2, and 3 were not statistically different (p<0.05). Maize production can reach >6 tons ha-1 in the two varieties planted and the value of the revenue to cost (R/C) ratio of all treatments ranged between 1.77 and 2.54. The results imply that the application of appropriate soil conservation methods has the potential to reduce erosion in the sloping land-humid tropics of Indonesia without compromising growth and productivity. However, it will take a longer period to reduce soil erosion significantly in a maize-based cultivation system on sloping land.

Morphological characterization of Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) ecotypes collected in Chiapas, Mexico

Objective: To characterize the morphology of 18 ecotypes of Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) in Chiapas. Design/Methodology/Approach: The morphological characterization was carried out with 34 quantitative and qualitative descriptors. A principal component analysis and a hierarchical cluster analysis were performed based on the average data. Results: In the principal component analysis, five of the principal components accounted for 70.7% of the total variability in the 18 ecotypes of Elephant grass. The variables that made the most significant contributions in each CP were: in CP1, internode diameter (p<0.01), internode length (p<0.05), color of internode without wax (p<0.01), number of innovations (p<0.01 ), prophylls (p<0.01), number of prophylls (p<0.01), external length of the sheath (p<0.01), internal length of the sheath at its opening point (p<0.01), opening of the auricle (p<0.01 ); for CP2, the number of visible internodes (p<0.05), channel width (p<0.05), size of innovations (p<0.05), adventitious root, number of internodes (p<0.01), wax under the sheath (p<0.05); and for CP3, number of visible internodes (p<0.05), color of the internode with wax (p<0.001), channel depth (p<0.001), ligule shape (p<0.05) and leaflet tip (p< 0.05). As a result of the hierarchical cluster analysis and the semipartial correlation coefficient, five morphologically distinct groups were determined. Study Limitations: A more accurate description of the morphological diversity of the grasses requires the characterization of the inflorescence and the spikelet. Findings/Conclusions: The 18 ecotypes of the Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) collected and characterized were dissimilar with each other; consequently, they are considered a genetic resource with potential importance as forage on the Chiapas coast.

Accumulation of Heavy Metals by Some Aquatic Macrophytes in Two Streams along the Tiko-Douala Highway, Cameroon

Aims: This study was aimed at determining the ecological health of two roadside streams across the Tiko-Douala highway, Cameroon, and investigating the phytoremediation potentials of dominant aquatic macrophytes within these streams.
 Study Design: Water, sediments, and aquatic plant samples were collected from Camp 7 and Moqouo streams, and analyzed for ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, phosphates, magnesium, cadmium, and lead, including other relevant water quality parameters.
 Place and Duration of Study: In the Life Science Laboratory of the University of Buea, and Soil and Water Laboratory of the University of Dschang, Cameroon between June 2021 and June 2022.
 Methodology: Six water samples and six sediment samples were collected per stream, and two of the most dominant plant species (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach (Poaceae) and Dicanthelium clandestinum L. (Poaceae) from Camp 7, Commelina benghalensis L. (Commelinaceae) and Oldenlandia corymbosa L.(Rubiaceae) from Moqouo stream) were collected for heavy metal analysis. Heavy metal concentration and bioaccumulation factors were determined for each plant.
 
 Results: High concentrations of phosphates were recorded in Camp 7 (1.19 mg/L) and Moqouo (2.17 mg/L) streams. Dissolved oxygen levels were 0.69 mg/L and 0.80 mg/L in Camp 7 and Moqouo respectively. Sediment cadmium levels ranged from 0.33± 0.02 to 0.63± 0.16 mg/kg, and lead ranged from 0.34 ±0.03 to 0.37 ± 0.12 mg/kg in Moqouo and Camp 7 respectively. 
 Conclusion: The Mouqouo and Camp 7 streams are rich in phosphates and thus not suitable for drinking and irrigation. Cadmium and lead in stream water were within the permissible limits but sediments contained higher concentrations than water and therefore they could be released gradually into the water column. All plants in the study except (Dicanthelium cladestinum) accumulated cadmium and lead, and could be potential plants for the phytoremediation of these metals.

Isolation and characterization of endophytic bacteria from Pennisetum purpureum Schumach

Pennisetum purpureum Schumach, commonly called elephant grass, found in tropical and subtropical climates is used as an energy crop as well as a forage grass. As part of an ongoing exploration of environmentally friendly agricultural approaches in Vietnam, which includes the utilization of endophytic species and endogenous bacteria in fertilizer synthesis, studies were conducted on elephant grass. Elephant grass specimens were gathered and examined to investigate the advantages of endogenous bacteria during elephant grass growth. Endogenous bacteria capable of generating IAA were identified from Pennisetum purpureum Schumach samples collected in the provinces of Hai Duong, Cao Bang, and Thai Nguyen. Five of these strains were chosen for their capacity to stimulate plant development and fight harmful bacteria. All selected strains were gram-negative and motile endophytic bacteria. After 72 hours in a medium with a pH of 7, 100 mg/l L-tryptophan, and 30°C on liquid NA media, the study identified five endogenous bacterial strains (HDR5, HDR9, TNT3, CBR1, and CBR2) that produced the maximum amounts of IAA. HDR5 and CBR2 strains demonstrated the ability to inhibit plant-pathogenic Xanthomonas strains. The investigation of HDR5’s 16S rRNA nucleotide sequence revealed that it is closely linked to the genus Enterobacter. The study suggests the use of endogenous bacteria in fertilizer synthesis as an effective and eco-friendly approach.

Morphology, Biomass Production, and Nutrient Analysis Four Napier Grass Cultivar (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.) in Teak Tree Forest Area Megeri Village, Blora, Central Java

This study aims to determine the morphology, biomass production and nutrient analysis of four cultivars of napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.) in teak tree forest area Megeri village, Blora Regency, Central Java. Four cultivars of napier grass namely Gama Umami, Biovitas, Pakchong, and Zanzibar being cultivated in teak tree forest area. The teak tree forest area was in Kawasan Hutan Dengan Tujuan Khusus (KHDTK) UGM. Previously there was no cultivation of new improved napier grass cultivars in KHDTK. Therefore, it is interestingly to investigate the introduction and growth ability in this area. Grasses were cultivated using stem cuttings approximately 15 cm and maintained for 4 months using a completely randomized design with 4 replications for each cultivar. During the cultivation period, morphological characteristics were observed including plant height, leaf length, leaf width, and tiller numbers. Plant was harvested after 4 month of cultivation and determine for biomass production and nutritional value of grass. The morphological characteristics and nutrient analysis among napier grass cultivars showed the similar trend. Gama Umami, Biovitas, and Pakchong had significantly higher biomass production than that Zanzibar cultivar.

Adsorption of Lead (ii), Chromium (vi) and Manganese (ii) metal ions from water using modified Pennisetum purpureum Schumach plant stalk

Water pollution is a global problem affecting humanity. Availability of clean water is a fundamental prerequisite to public health safety and the survival of the human race as well as animals. However, pollution of river water by heavy metal ions deposition is a grave environmental problem. Presence of the heavy metals in the water, pose a serious health risk particularly to rural populations which rely majorly on the river water for domestic purposes. Several methods for elimination of the heavy metal pollutants from river waters have been previously employed. However, most of these methods are expensive and cumbersome, hence not sustainable. This research explored the potential of modified Pennisetum purpureum Schumach plant adsorbent in removal of Lead (II), Manganese (II) and Chromium (VI) ions from spiked water samples by adsorption. Surface analysis of the adsorbent using FTIR Photometer confirmed presence of functional groups such as -NH2, C=O and O-H responsible for adsorption of heavy metal ions. Concentration of heavy metal ions in water samples was determined before and after adsorption process using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and means concentration computed. Effect of changes in pH on adsorption was investigated by conducting adsorption at three different pH conditions of 5, 7 and 9. Modification of the adsorbent surface improved its adsorption capacity. For instance, at pH 5, adsorption of Cr+6 increased from 12% to 14.82% when modified adsorbent was used. The modified adsorbent achieved greater % adsorption in all the three metals. Increase in the pH of adsorption from 5 to 9 had a reducing effect on the percent adsorption. At pH of 5 the % adsorption of Pb+2 reduced from 90.26% to 73.75% at pH of 9. This reductions in percentage adsorption were recorded for Pb+2 and Mn+2 ions but not significant for Cr+6 ions. These results show the potential of P. purpureum plant for use as an adsorbent in purification/detoxification of river water which would present a cheaper and more readily available alternative to many current adsorbents and adsorption methods in use. However further research is needed to determine the optimal set of conditions as well as the most suitable modification treatment for maximum adsorption.

Nonlinear Mixed Models Applied to Ruminal Degradability Studies

This article presents an application of three classical models to studies of ruminal degradation kinetics, namely Ørskov and McDonald’s model (1979); Van Milgen, Murphy and Berger’s model (1991), and Richard’s model proposed in France, Dijkstra, and Dhanoa (1996). Our approach is focused on accounting for animal e ects given that measurements are repeated in the same animal. The models were studied under the perspective of nonlinear mixed-e ects (NLME) models. In this way, we intended to accommodate the problems of response variance heterogeneity and correlations between repeated measures. To apply the proposed method, we used data from an experiment conducted in a Latin square design to assess the dry matter degradability of the following three silages: Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.) silage treated with bacterial inoculant, Elephant grass silage treated with enzyme-bacterial inoculant, and corn (Zea mays L.) silage. Samples were incubation for 0, 2, 6, 12 , 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. For these experimental data, the Van Milgen, Murphy, and Berger’s model showed better performance than the others. The proposed approach indicated that inclusion of animal e ects is important for obtaining more accurate information and can be considered in NLME modeling. Furthermore, it was also possible to perform an easy-to-interpret analysis of contrasts between treatments by using Tukey’s test.

The genotype does not influence the establishment of elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.)

This study investigated whether genotype influences the establishment of Pennisetum purpureum Schumach. The experimental design was a randomized complete blocks with four treatments and eight replications (n=8). The treatments were four genotypes of P. purpureum, two classified as tall sizes: P. purpureum cv. Elephant B and cv. IRI 381; and two as dwarf types: P. purpureum cv. Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37. They were planted in a tropical wet and dry region of Brazil. Tall genotypes showed superior field sprouting rates (p < 0.05), ranging between 95-99%, while dwarfs varied between 88-90%, however, Elephant B and IRI 381 produced a much lower average number of tillers (31 and 32 linear m-1, respectively), than Taiwan A-146 2.37 and Mott (56 and 41 linear m-1, respectively) (p < 0.05). Dwarf genotypes produced lower biomass yields (p < 0.05), but this was genotype-dependent and did not impact on their establishment. The levels of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) (>10%) in the planted stems were associated with satisfactory field sprouting of the elephantgrass genotypes. Despite some variations between the genotypes in terms of sprouting, tillering, and growth rates, the kind of genotype had no major significance on the establishment of the elephantgrass.

Sward structure and forage intake rate of elephant grass cv. Napier subjected to strategies of intermittent stocking management

Context Grazing management strategies affect sward structure, changing patterns of foraging and intake, and consequently animal performance. Aims The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between sward structure and forage intake rate by cattle grazing elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) cv. Napier subjected to strategies of rotational stocking management. Methods The experiment was conducted in Piracicaba, SP, Brazil, from January 2011 to April 2012. Treatments corresponded to all combinations between two post-grazing conditions (post-grazing heights of 35 and 45 cm) and two pre-grazing conditions (95% and maximum canopy light interception during regrowth; LI). The response variables evaluated at both pre- and post-grazing conditions were: (1) vertical distribution of morphological components; (2) bite rate; (3) bite mass; (4) intake rate; and (5) forage nutritive value (morphological and chemical composition of oesophageal extrusa samples). Key results Bite mass was smaller and bite rate was greater for LI95% swards at pre- and post-grazing, resulting in greater rate of forage intake. The post-grazing height targets affected the morphological and the chemical composition of the forage consumed. Conclusions In general, pastures managed with targets LI95% (pre-grazing) and 45 cm (post-grazing height) resulted in greater leaf percentage and nutritive value of the consumed forage. Implications Adequate grazing management strategies allow for high residual leaf area in pastures, ensuring rapid recovery after grazing. For grazing elephant grass cv. Napier, this corresponded to the combination between the LI95% pre-grazing target and the 45 cm post-grazing height.