Protein estimation of selected fodder grasses from Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

The study was carried out to assess the protein analysis of eight fodder grasses of Punjab, Pakistan to find out which fodder grass possessed high protein value and is more viable as fodder. Among the eight grass species Phragmites australis showed highest protein value (22.5%) followed by Cynadon dactylon (20.63%),Dactyloctenium aegyptium (18.75),Polypogon monspeliensis (18.12), Phallaris minor (16.88), Cenchrus ciliaris (13.13), Setaria viridis (11.88) and Bothriochloa multiflora (11.25%). Conclusive results of fodder grass protein estimation had given criteria for suitable fodder selection for the variety of cattle. This nutritive information provided by this project can be used on commercial scale for the healthy maintenance of cattle farms. Not only the milk production can be enhanced but also wool and meat industry can be benefited by this knowledge.