Preliminary Study on Yield and Nuritional Potential of Newly Introduced Juncao Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) in Shika, Nigeria

Abstract

Juncao grass, a multifunctional crop developed through innovative agricultural technology, has gained significant attention for its agronomic potential in addressing food security, enhancing environmental sustainability, and rural development. The grass is utilized for mushroom cultivation, livestock feed, soil conservation, and bioenergy production. The high nutritive value, adaptability, and ecological benefits of Juncao grass make it a promising crop for sustainable agriculture. A study was conducted at the Introduction Plot of the feeds and nutrition research programme, National Animal Production Research Institute, Shika, Zaria, to explore a preliminary investigation on the nutritive potential of Juncao grass (Pennisetum purpureum). The grass was planted in a Randomized Complete Block Design with stage of harvest as treatment and three replicates in 5mx 5m plots. Planting was done through stem cuts with 2 to 3 nodes at an angle 450 into the ground. Data on plant height, leaf length, leaf width, tiller number, stem diameter, and dry matter yield were taken from each plot before the first and second harvest. Also, data on moisture, dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, nitrogen-free extract, and metabolizable energy were determined. Data collected were analyzed using SAS, package and means were compared using Duncan Multiple Range Test. The plant height was significantly (P<0.05) higher (332.5cm) in second harvest. Similar trend was observed for stem diameter (7.03¢m) and total dry matter yield of 12.21t/ha. The leaf length (113.3cm), leaf width (5.43¢m), number of leaves (25) and tillers (23) were significantly higher (P<0.05) during the first harvest. The percentage crude protein, ether extract, moisture, and metabolizable energy are significantly (P<0.05) highly concentrated in the leaves 7.40%, 2.89%, 62.65%, and 1,205 kcal/kg respectively. The percentage dry matter (46.61%), crude fibre (22.03%), ash (12.82%), and nitrogen-free extract (12.18%) is highly concentrated in the stems of Juncao grass than in leaves. The nutritive values obtained for Juncao grass in Shika are necessary for the improvement of livestock feed. The silage produced exhibits acceptable fermentation quality (pH, aroma) and nutritional value (CP, NFE). It is therefore, necessary to explore the potential yields and nutrient of Juncao grass as feed for ruminant. It could be recommended to cultivate Juncao grass on large scale to address feed shortage in Nigeria.