Beef Production on Rotationally Grazed F1 Pennisetum Hybrid and Elephant Grass (Pennisetum Purpureum Schum.) Pastures

COMPARATIVE studies of elephant and the F1 hybrids between ‘maiwa’ Cultivar millet (Pennisetum americanum) grass (P. purpureum) indicated a superiority in quality hybrids. To ascertain this potential animal performance was measured by exciting beef production on Pennisetum hybrid pastures consisting random mixture genotype which were grazed from July 28 to December 6. 1972 (132 days) 18 24 months old White Falani (Bunaji) Zebu heifers. Each pasture divided into Six 0.07- ha paddocks rotation two heifers for 5 7 days with intervening rest periods 30 35 days. Total liveweight gains per hectare, animals grazing 246.71 171.77kg respectively. Mean daily gain 100 Kg body weight nature 0.18 kg significantly higher than 0.13 grass. Dry matter (DM) utilisation average intake respectively, 46 35% 2.2 an 2.0% while 11.71 15.85 grass, consumed gain. The superior Pennisetum, attributed more efficient conversion Stand mortality at end study 25 15%, Greater output can be expected selected improved DM plant persistence.