Comparative Study on Biomass Yield, Morphology, Silage Quality of Hybrid Napier and Pakchong and Their Utilization in Bull Calves

This work was conducted to compare the potentiality between BLRI Napier-3 (BN-3) and Pakchong (PK) fodders. In a completely randomized design (CRD) layout, 10 plots (5 m ´ 5 m each) were prepared and stem cuttings were transplanted. Fodder plants were harvested at 70, 80 and 90 days after plantation (DAP) followed by making silage. Ten Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC) growing bull calves were selected and equally divided into two treatment groups fed only silages for nutrient utilization and growth evaluation. The highest biomass yield (69.3 ton/ha) and plant height (104.6 cm) were observed in PK at 90 DAP. The highest leaf weight (498.6 g/plant) and leaf to stem ratio (LSR) (1.53) were observed in BN-3 at 70 DAP, which was decreased gradually in progressing maturity. Conversely, stem weight was increased with progressing maturity. Dry matter (DM) (24.71%), total ash (8.35%) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (61.89%) in PK silage were significantly higher. On the other hand, crude protein (CP) (9.86%), organic matter (OM) (91.65%) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (88.06%) in PK silage did not differ with BN-3 silage. Dry matter intake (DMI) and crude protein intake (CPI) from PK silage (2.25 kg/day/animal and 0.22 kg/day/animal) were significantly higher. Digestibility of DM (55.07%), CP (62.35%), OM (57.85%), total ash (30.89%), ADF (73.02%) and NDF (78.19%) for PK silage were significantly higher. N-intake (35.57 g/d) from PK silage was significantly higher, although, N-retention did not differ significantly. There were no significant differences in weight gain of calves fed PK (117 g/d) and BN-3 (68 g/d). It can be concluded that PK silage is comparatively better than BN-3 in respect to biomass yield, digestibility and nutrient utilization in growing bull calves.