Rhodes Grass

Brand Name: .
Origin: Pakistan
Description:

1. Description

Rhodes Grass is a warm-season forage grass that thrives in dry and semi-arid regions. It is primarily used as fodder for livestock and is often harvested and stored as hay. This grass provides high-quality feed for cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. It is also suitable for grazing and can improve soil fertility by preventing erosion.

2. Technical Specifications

  • Scientific Name: Chloris gayana
  • Origin: Africa
  • Growth Rate: Fast-growing
  • Soil Type: Grows well in sandy, loamy, and low-fertility soils
  • pH Range: 5.0 – 8.5
  • Drought Tolerance: High
  • Cutting Interval: Every 30-45 days
  • Water Requirement: Moderate (can grow in both rainfed and irrigated areas)
  • Germination Rate: 80-90%
  • Average Yield: 12-15 tons per acre (dry hay)
  • Best Planting Season: Spring and monsoon

3. Nutritional Specifications

Rhodes Grass is highly valued for its nutritional content, making it a preferred choice for livestock feeding. Below is its nutritional breakdown:

Component Percentage (%)
Crude Protein 8-12%
Metabolizable Energy (ME) (MJ/kg) 8-10
Crude Fiber 30-35%
Ash 7-10%
Calcium 0.3-0.6%
Phosphorus 0.2-0.4%
Nitrogen-Free Extract (NFE) 40-50%
Moisture 10-15%

Benefits of Rhodes Grass

✅ Easily digestible and highly palatable for livestock
✅ A good balance of protein and fiber
✅ Beneficial for dairy animals, promoting higher milk yield
✅ High yield and excellent nutritional value make it a profitable fodder option