Fodder Splits & Seeds (perennial grasses, several cuts per year)

(a) Super Napier (Pakchong 1)

Super Napier (Pakchong 1) is a Hybrid Napier Grass obtained by crossing ordinary Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) and Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucam) developed in Thailand. If well managed and harvested at the right cutting stage, it gives high crude protein over 16% in the dry matter and high tonnage/acre which makes it as "King of Napiers". It is propagated via cuttings.

(b) Bracharia (Mulato-2, Cobra, Cayman, Camello varieties)

Though Napier grass is very popular in East Africa, its productivity has been on the decline over the years due to smut and stunt disease attacks. The introduction of improved Brachiaria grasses (hybrids) has provided an additional forage option to farmers and helped to bridge the livestock feed supply gaps especially during the dry seasons.

It is suitable for grazing, silage and hay making and cut and carry systems and has a high crude protein content and low NDF (high digestibility); if well fertilized and harvested at the right cutting stage. It is propagated via seeds (4 kgs per acre) or cuttings/splits.

(c) Panicum Maximum Siambasa or Mombasa

This grass grows on a wide variety of soils, preferring higher fertility with good drainage.  It is well eaten by all classes of grazing livestock, and it is characterized by its good nutritional quality. Siambasa gives good values in protein (reaching up to 16%), energy, fiber and sugars.  It adapts well to drought, heat and salinity. It can be grazed, ensiled, used for hay making and cut and carry.

It is propagated via seeds and cuttings/splits: either planted in rows, 50 cm apart, or broadcast sown at 3 kgs per acre.