Comparative evaluation of various hybrid Napier Bajra and multicut sorghum green fodders for proximate composition, fodder quality and digestibility parameters

Abstract

The livestock sector is a cornerstone of India's agricultural economy, yet its productivity is often hindered by the limited availability and poor quality of fodder. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional composition and digestibility parameters of selected green fodder species, including Bajra Napier hybrid grasses (CO-4, Super Napier, Red Napier, and APBN-1) and multi cut sorghum varieties (CSV 33 MF, CSH 24 MF, and SSG 59-3). Samples were harvested at the pre-blooming stage and analysed for their chemical composition and forage quality parameters using standard protocols. Significant variations (p<0.05) were observed among the fodder varieties for key nutrients such as crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P). Super Napier recorded the highest CP (10.14%), calcium (0.39%), and phosphorus (0.20%), along with superior digestibility indicators, including total digestible nutrients (TDN, 65.09%), relative feed value (RFV, 106.55%), and relative forage quality (RFQ, 113.48%). Australian Red Napier exhibited the highest crude fibre (38.55%) and cellulose (29.00%), supporting its role in maintaining rumen health despite lower digestibility. Sorghum varieties, particularly CSV 33 MF, showed high hemicellulose content (30.01%), indicating potential for energy release through fermentation. This comprehensive evaluation underscores the potential of hybrid forages like Super Napier to address fodder scarcity and improve livestock productivity by offering high nutritional quality and digestibility.