Forage Composition and Quality of Tankbed Grassland Ecosystems in Sri Lanka; A Preliminary Study of “Tabbowa” Tank

Although, Sri Lanka does not have large natural lakes, the early settlers devoted their energy to build water bodies (tanks or reservoirs) in association with forest catchments to provide water for irrigation. The tank bed is a grassland area of the tank, which lies between the catchment forest and the present water level. In general, the tankbed has three major zones - lower, middle and upper - and in some seasons the middle and upper parts may be underwater. This tankbed area is dominated by grassland vegetation and is a valuable feeding ground for free-grazing livestock. The main objective of this study was to identify the common forage species and to investigate the nutrient composition of species most relevant to ruminant livestock in one of the larger tankbed grasslands in the country

Dry Matter Production and Nutritive Quality of Wild Guinea Grass (Panicum maximum) Grown Along Roadsides in Sri Lanka

Wild Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) was introduced into Sri Lanka in the 1820s for forage purposes and has now naturalised in most ecological zones, ecosystems and habitats including roadsides with the exception of hilly and semi-arid parts of the country. The enormous distribution of the grass throughout the country has contributed much to supplying livestock feeds, soil erosion control, and improvement of soil fertility. The objective of this study was to investigate the growth, dry matter (DM) production and nutritive quality of wild Guinea grass along roadsides in different ecological zones

Effect of Different Additives on Fermentation Characteristics of Fodder Sorghum [\u3cem\u3eSorghum bicolor \u3c/em\u3e(L) Moench] Compared to CO-3 (\u3cem\u3ePennisetum perpureum \u3c/em\u3e x \u3cem\u3e Pennisetum americarnum\u3c/em\u3e)

Milk production plays a vital role to overcome the nutritional poverty in all aged groups of people. But there are many kinds of constraints to sustainable milk production in Sri Lanka. The biggest problem is high cost of feeding of dairy animals due to high price of compounded feeds, lack of knowledge on methods of low-cost feed supplementation and seasonal fluctuations in ruminant feed resources. Less availability of good quality green forages has led to low productivity from national dairy herd of Sri Lanka during the dry season (Premaratne and Premalal, 2006). Silage production is one of the most popular as well as cheap and effective method of forage conservation to increase the feed availability for dairy cattle during the dry season. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench) and CO-3 (Pennisetum perpureum x Pennisetum americarnum) are some of the crop varieties which can be effectively used for silage making. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to find out the effect of different additives on fermentation characteristics of fodder sorghum and CO-3

Nutritive Value and Silage Quality in Fodder Sorghum (\u3cem\u3eSorghum bicolor\u3c/em\u3e), Maize (\u3cem\u3eZea mays\u3c/em\u3e) and Hybrid Napier (\u3cem\u3ePennisetum americarnum\u3c/em\u3e × \u3cem\u3eP. purpureum\u3c/em\u3e) Grown in Sri Lanka

For continuous genetic improvement of cows, nutrition and management conditions should be improved to allow cow to produce its inherited potential production. However, many farmers not pay desired attention on forage quality and one of the main reasons for the low productivity of dairy cattle is under nutrition. Therefore, production of high quality fodder varieties is vital for strengthening the dairy sector in Sri Lanka. Hybrid Napier var. CO-3 is widely used for cattle feeding in Sri Lanka. It is important to find out other forage varieties with maximum nutritive values and minimum anti-nutritive factors which can be used as a cattle feed. Sorghum is a crop for semi-arid regions in tropical and sub-tropical zones which can be grown successfully throughout the country both under irrigated and rain-fed conditions. In addition, it has shown a huge potential to produce high green fodder yields. Maize is one of the most important plants grown for fodder production in the world. It possesses most of the characteristics of an ideal type of fodder and forage plant. Hence, this field research was conducted to investigate the possibilities in use of fodder Sorghum var. sugargraze and Maize var. pacific 984 as green fodder and/or silage in Sri Lank

Silage Characteristics of Sugarcane (\u3cem\u3eSacchrum officinarum\u3c/em\u3e) Tops in Sri Lanka

Sugarcane tops (SCTs) is generally known to be a major byproduct of sugarcane industry which is currently not utilized in a profitable manner and it is widely available at low cost particularly during the dry period in Sri Lanka when the forage are scarce for feeding of ruminants. Usually, the residue after sugarcane harvesting contains dry leaves, fresh leaves and growing point of the stalk. It increases drying of leaves in the field within 2 to 3 days after harvesting due to dry weather conditions prevailing in the harvesting period and much of the tops are burned and wasted in the field. Therefore, it is difficult to use tops as feed unless they are preserved. Silage making is a good preservation technique which can be used under this condition. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the ensiling characteristics and nutritive value of SCTs or Guinea (Panicum maximum) ‘A’ grass with different additives

Yield, Feeding Value and Ensiling Characteristics of Clone-13 (\u3ci\u3ePennisetum purpureum\u3c/i\u3e)

A study was carried out to find out the effect of frequency of defoliation on yield and feeding value of clone-13 (Pennisetum purpureum) in Sri Lanka. Three frequency of harvesting, namely 45, 60 and 75 days were used and, fresh yield per plot was measured. Sub samples were taken for dry matter determination and proximate analysis. According to results, frequency of harvesting of 60 days can be recommended for clone-13 under no fertilizer regime. In addition, effect of growth stage on ensiling characteristics of clone-13 was also studied. Clone-13 was harvested at 45, 60, 75 or 90 days and, ensiled alone or with 5% coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) scrapings or 5% rice (Oriza sativa) bran in laboratory silos. Therefore, altogether 12 treatments were used in the study with 5 replicates. Silos were opened after 6 weeks and, physical and ensiling characteristics were studied. Physical characteristics of silage were satisfactory and had a yellowish brown colour, pleasant aroma and a moist texture. Highest volatile fatty acids and crude protein contents were observed with 45 days old grass silage whereas lowest in 90 days old grass silage. Addition of rice bran and coconut scrapings improved the fermentation characteristics of silage compared to no additives