Effect of harvesting stage on yield and nutritive value of Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris Linn) under irrigation at Gewane district, north eastern Ethiopia

A study was carryout to determine the biomass yield, chemical composition and in-vitro dry matter digestibility of irrigated Cenchrus Ciliaris. The treatments had three harvesting days (60, 90 and 120) in randomized complete block design (RCBD). Stage of harvesting days had significant influence (p< 0.05) on the biomass and chemical composition of Cenchrus Ciliaris. With longer days of harvesting, there was a reduction in nutritive value of the grass; whereas at longer day of harvesting, there was the highest biomass yield. DMY, NDF, ADF and ADL and plant height were positively correlated to each other but negatively correlated to LSR, CP, total ash, and IVDMD. Biomass yield of Cenchrus Ciliaris was positively correlated with delaying stage of harvesting but nutritive value in Cenchrus Ciliaris, were negatively correlate with increasing stage of harvesting. Eventually, harvesting of Cenchrus ciliaris at 90 days had good nutritive (10.62 % CP and 12.3t/ha DM) value and biomass yield. So that, this finding creates an opportunity for the pastoralists and agro-pastoral community along the Awash River to resolve the scarcity of feed and increase the livestock productivity in the study area.