Abstract

This study evaluates the growth, yield, and nutritional quality of seven tropical grass varieties in Kamphaeng Saen District, Nakhon Pathom Province. The experiment employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. The grass varieties included Guinea grass cv. Purple, Mombasa, Mun River, Camello grass, Mulato II grass, Ruzi grass, and Cayman grass. Data collection encompassed measurements of growth, yield, yield components, and nutritional parameters such as crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and ash content. Results indicate that Guinea grass cv. Mombasa exhibited a taller average plant height compared to other varieties, with the exception of Guinea grass cv. Purple. Ruzi grass demonstrated a higher average tiller number compared to others, except for Mulato II grass and Cayman grass. Guinea grass cv. Purple, Mombasa, and Mun River showed higher total fresh and dry weight yields than other varieties. Regarding nutritional content, all tropical grasses displayed higher CP levels during the rainy season compared to the dry season, ranging from 9.18% to 11.61%. NDF content across all varieties ranged from 52.07% to 67.56%, suitable for ruminant digestion. Guinea grass cv. Purple, Mombasa, and Mun River exhibited suitable ADF content during the dry season (32.83% - 33.41%), whereas Camello grass, Mulato II grass, and Ruzi grass displayed suitable ADF content during the rainy season (30.05% - 30.81%).