Variation of Chemical Constituents and Relative Nutritive Value with Plant Maturity in Chrysopogon gryllus (Linn.) Trin and Eragrostis nigra Nees of Kumaun Hills

Abstract

Chemical investigation of indigenous fodder grasses, viz.,
Chrysopogon gryllus (Linn) Trin and Eragrostis nigra Nees of
Naintial was carried out at different stages of plant maturity from
July to October to assess their relative nutritive value because these
grasses are commonly used as green fodder by local people during
monsoon season and also stored as hay for feeding the cattle during
dry winter and summer seasons. These grasses were found to contain
sufficiently high level of chemical ingredients, viz., protein,
ether extract (crude fat), sugars, ash and minerals and hence are
assessed as good quality fodders.