Study on Chemical Composition of Napier Pak Chong (Pennisetum purpureum x Pennisetum glaucum) Harvested at Different Growth Stages

Napier Pak Chong is a new hybrid crossing Pennisetum purpureum and Pennisetum glaucum known as Pearl Millet Napier. The Napier Pak Chong grass has been introduced due to its high nutritional contents, particularly in terms of crude protein compared to other napier grass varieties. Therefore, the aims of this study were to determine the chemical composition of the Napier Pak Chong harvested at three different growth ages which are 45 days, 60 days and 75 days and to identify the best harvesting ages of the Napier Pak Chong grass. The samples were collected at Kaprima Hulu Seladang Valley Farm. Then, the samples were dried and ground before being analyzed using proximate analysis and mineral analysis using Induced Couple Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). In the proximate analysis, the plant samples were analyzed to determine the percentage of moisture, ash, crude fibre (CF), crude protein (CP) and fat. For the mineral analysis, the samples were analyzed for magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus and calcium. Results showed that the percentages of crude protein in the Napier Pak Chong grass decreased with increased harvesting ages meanwhile the crude fibre increased along with maturity. The percentage of crude protein is highest at 45 days which is 19.48%. The results also showed that the chemical compositions were highest at the early stage of harvesting, which is at 45 days. Thus, this study showed that the harvesting ages have an effect on the chemical composition of Napier Pak Chong grass.