Preference of Muturu cattle to either fresh forage or pelleted hay of Panicum maximum and Pennisetum purpureum cut at four and eight weeks

Abstract

Short-term preference studies were carried out with growing Muturu calves based on diets of local grass forages found in South – Western Nigeria. Twelve intact pure bred muturu calves aged 9 - 12 months were used. Two grass species - guinea grass (Panicum maximum) and elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) at four and eight weeks of regrowth were harvested when needed either for pelleting or for fresh green chop. The diets were served to animals individually and later in group. Feed preference was assessed from the total intake at the end of 15 min cafeteria study while the chemical composition of each diet was also assessed. The CP content of the grasses ranged from 105 to 133 g/kg DM with pelleted Panicum at 8 weeks old having the highest CP. Pelleted grasses of 4 week old had the lowest (P<0.05) NDF in the trial. Green chopped P. maximum of 4 weeks old was most preferred by the calves. Age at harvest influenced preference as forages harvested at 4 weeks old had higher intake. Forage preference considered in terms of intake rate indicated that growing calves preferred fresh P. maximum of 4 week old to the other samples used in this study. Group feeding also influenced forage preference. It is concluded that in order to optimize DM intake farmers should consider the type of grasses and their age at harvest particularly for Muturu. Pelleting improves acceptability of forages when rejected by animals in fresh forage form due to advanced age.