Appraisal of mineral content of desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin.) as affected by stage of maturity and agro-ecologies in Ethiopia

Abstract

Ash determination of forages may not exactly tell the mineral status of forage crops as livestock feed. Therefore, it is important to determine common minerals to have useful information for livestock nutrition as this helps to mitigate mineral deficiency of farm animals rely on that particular forage. The aim of the research was to determine the mineral content of desho grass harvested in different harvesting dates and altitudes for ruminant livestock production in the highlands of Ethiopia. The samples of desho grass were collected from different harvesting dates and altitudes to see the concentration of common macro and micro minerals. The samples were analyzed for common macro-minerals (Ca, K, P, Mg and Na) and micro minerals (Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn). The results indicated most of the concentration macro minerals were not significant (P>0.05) due to altitude factor except Mg and P which were significant. In terms of harvesting dates, only Mg and Ca were significant (P<0.05) while other minerals were non-significant. The analysis of minerals in the current study indicated that desho grass contains most of required minerals for herbivores which depend on it. However, for high producing animals adequate supplementation of both macro and micro minerals could be advantageous.