A field study was conducted under rainfed conditions
to determine the effect of different cutting
heights (0, 10, 20 and 30 cm) and dry season
closing dates (November and January) on dry
matter production and fodder quality of 5 different
cultivars of napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum).
The experiment was carried out at
Suwanvajokkasikit Research Station, Pakchong,
Nakornratchasima, Thailand between 1994–1996.
Dry matter yield of the 5 napier grass cultivars
increased with higher stubble remaining, differences
reaching significance in the second year.
Delaying the closing date produced a negative
effect on regrowth for the following season,
especially when a low cutting height had been
imposed. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium
levels in leaf and stem were not affected by
cutting height. NDF% was lower in herbage from
0 cm cutting height compared with 30 cm
cutting. Cutting heights of 20 cm and 30 cm can
be recommended through the growing season