Productivity and Nutrient Quality of Elephant Grass, Pakchong Grass, Red Navier Grass and Odot Grass as a Source of Animal Feed

College of Vocational Study, IPB University, Bogor, 16128, Indonesia

Abstract

Feed is the primary need of the livestock business world; in intensive livestock farming, the cost of feed reaches around 70% of the total production cost, so the price of feed ingredients determines the cost of production. The main feed source of ruminants is forage, and, therefore, the productivity of ruminants depends very much on the availability of good fodder ingredients and a guarantee of quality. The goal of this research was to examine the productivity and nutritional quality of elephant grass, pakchong, red napier, and odot as livestock feed that may be grown in Indonesia. The observed data were analyzed descriptively. The results show that pakcong grass has the highest plant height and greater productivity compared to others. Odot grass has better nutritional quality based on crude protein and crude fiber content compared to others. Red napier grass, pakcong grass, elephant grass, and odot grass are forages that have the potential to be used as a source of feed ingredients for livestock in Indonesia.