Utilization of Kaskas (Vettveria zizanoides) Grass as Feed for Crossbred Cattle

Kaskas (Vetiveria zizanoides) grass containing 35.4% moisture was cut un 65th day and fed to six adult crossbred (Ongule x Holstein) bulls with an average weight of 430 ± 2.4 kg as sole feed without any supplement in a digestion-cum-metabolism experiment. The DM intake was only 85% of the requirement. Grass contained 5.34% CP, 38.58% CF, 1.76% EE, 47.03% NFE and 7.29% total ash, un DM basis. The DCP content and intakes was lower while the TON content and intake was higher than the maintenance requirements for crossbred bulls. The DCP and TDN contents of Kaskas grass, were 1.77 and 60.08%, respectively. In rumen fermentation study, the concentrations of all N-fractions and TVFA peaked at 4 hr post feeding. The results indicated that kaskas grass cannot form sole feed for crossbred bulls and need to be supplemented with other nutrients particularly, protein.