Capstone internship at the Dairy Training and Research Institute (DTRI) with the mini study on : nutrional composition analysis of Napier (Pennisetum purpureum), hybrid napier (Pennisetum purpoureum x P.glaucum, and pakchong (Penninsetum purpureum mx P. glaucum cv. Pakchong 1) at different harvest intervals

Date

2025

Adviser

Precious Jewel Dela Cruz

Principal

Mabel S. Buela

Abstract

Napier (Pennisetum purpureum), Hybrid Napier (Pennisetum purpurerum x P.glaucum), and Pakchong (Pennisetum purpurerum x P.glaucum) are three commonly used forage grasses to feed dairy cattle due to their high biomass yield. Their nutritional quality, however, can vary depending on how and when they are harvested. This study investigated how different harvest intervals (30, 45, 60 days) affect the nutritional composition of three forage grasses commonly used in dairy production. The analysis focused on nutrient components such as moisture, ash, crude fat, Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF). Grass samples were collected from the Dairy Training and Research Institute and evaluated using proximate analysis, including oven drying for moisture content, muffle furnace for ash content, Soxhlet extraction for crude fat, and ANKOM Fiber Analyzer for NDF and ADF quantification; and Repeated Measures One-way ANOVA for the statistical analysis. The results showed that the 30-day harvest interval produced the best nutritional quality, with Pakchong exhibiting the highest moisture content (32.74%) and the lowest NDF (45.77%). On the other hand, by day 60, NDF increased significantly, reaching 69.22% in Hybrid Napier, 68.93% in Napier, and 65.22% in Pakchong, indicating reduced digestibility. The most notable decline in nutrient quality occurred between days 30 and 45 (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed between days 45 and 60 for Hybrid Napier and Pakchong, suggesting the stabilization of nutrient levels. Fluctuations in the pattern and variations were constantly observed at the 45-day mark which were likely due to the extreme weather conditions. Further research is recommended to investigate seasonal effects and forage performance beyond 60 days to support more refined feeding strategies.

Language

English

Location

UP Rural High School

Notes

To access this capstone, please contact the UP Rural High School Library at uprhslibrary.uplb@up.edu.ph. You may also visit the library in person, provided you secure prior confirmation from the librarian. We will be happy to assist you.

Document Type

Capstone

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