Dear Tung Thai,

You are correct in stating the many uses of this grass. In the wet season,
digestibility is high and protein may reach around 8%, which compares very
favourably with corn greenchop. It requires much less water than corn and is less
susceptible to pests. It is a perennial, and satisfactory yield and quality can
be sustained for up to five years from one stand. Older stands have very high
yield but, as with all tropical grasses, quality runs down. In the dry season,
protein may drop to 2-4% and so compensation must be made in the ration to
increase rumen fermentable protein, to support bacteria capable of digesting the material.

Best wishes,

Simon
Managing Director
Pacific Rim Livestock Services Pty Ltd