Increasing cutting interval significantly increased stem and total dry matter yields, significantly reduced the
percentage of leaf, but had no effect on leaf dry matter production in both years (Table 1). Mombasa
produced 17-21% more total dry matter and 18-24% more leaf dry matter than Tanzania but similar amounts
of stem dry matter and percentage of leaf
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.