At all cutting intervals, Mombasa produced 17-21% more total and 18-24% more leaf DM than Tanzania. It
is this greater production of green leaf that is increasing the demand of Mombasa compared to Tanzania.
Under grazing systems in Central and South America, Mombasa has produced 28-40% more DM than
Tanzania (Cook et al. 2005). Even though the quality of Tanzania was superior to Mombasa in terms of
crude protein and stem fibre levels, Mombasa’s greater DM production appeals to farmers. An optimum
cutting interval based on the data in this study, suggest a compromise between quantity and quality. Even
though the 30 day cutting interval produced crude protein levels 2-3 percentage points higher than levels
from 45- and 60-day-old forage, dry matter production from 30-day-old forage was nearly 15-20% less than
production from 45- and 60-day-old forage. A recommended cutting interval will depend on what
combination of yield and quality is desired.