Rhodes Grass Production Process and Nutrient Value

The quality of Rhodes grass is important for all farmers because it directly affects animal health and milk production. Financial losses, poor nutrition, and reduced milk output can result in a lack of feed. Hence, selecting the high-quality feed item is important.There are many possibilities, but Rhodes grass is a very reliable and healthy option for dairy animals.

Rhodes Grass is one of the most reliable and healthy feed items for dairy animals. Its export is increasing day by day and Saremco Agri Commodities help to export Rhodes grass and contributes to Pakistan’s economy. In this post, we have discussed the nutrient benefits and increasing export in bulk globally.

Nutrient value of Rhodes Grass hay

Most growth occurs in autumn, summer, and spring. It is according to soil texture. Average resistance to low rainfall. It is good for running and important for the growth of the root system, so it is important to expand its growth. It is not very difficult to establish the ground for Rhodes grass; farmers need to spread fluffy seed with common machinery.

Rhodes grass hay is a good source of Fiber and energy, with a typical crude protein content of 8-12%. Its nutritional value is based on fertilization and soil fertility, like potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, but we need to figure out values. Let’s read and apply it in your practical life.

Calculated Values

  • Crude Protein: 8-12% (on a dry matter basis)
  • Crude Fiber: ~35.3% (on a dry matter basis)
  • Gross Energy: ~18.1 MJ/kg DM
  • Digestible Energy: ~10.0 MJ/kg DM for ruminants

Mineral content

  • Calcium: ~3.1 g/kg DM
  • Phosphorus: ~2.6 g/kg DM
  • Potassium: ~16.9 g/kg DM
  • Sodium: ~4.1 g/kg DM
  • Magnesium: ~1.4 g/kg DM
  • Trace Minerals: Includes manganese, copper, zinc, and iron, but some trace minerals are added according to requirements, it also depends on soil fertility.

Other components

  • Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF): ~75.7% DM
  • Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF): ~41.2% DM
  • Lignin: ~5.6% DM
  • Ether Extract: ~1.7% DM
  • Ash: ~9.7% DM

Importance and export potential of Rhodes grass

Rhodes Grass is a kind of wild grass grown in tropical zones. It is also grown in agricultural countries like in Asia, especially for animal feed. It has carbohydrates and protein that are fundamental for increasing milk production in animals. Rhodes grass cultivation is not very difficult task, but it needs proper care in farming, especially on large-scale. It is grown at the start of summer and remains for long time-potential growth in tropical and subtropical regions like Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Rhodes Grass Cultivation in Pakistan

As per the research, dairy farmers work on both domestic andinternational market standards- they give it a shape. As a result, growth rate in animals is about 4.2 percent/ year, hence, its feed requirements are increasing. The estimated rate is 2.31 million hectares and annual production is 53 m tons. The target is to fulfill both requirements local and international market. This target is for dairy farmers so that they can produce feed for retailers, exporters, wholesalers, and Individual purchaser.

Technology: technology includes modern farm machinery to prepare land and harvest (plows, balers, and harrows), precision irrigation methods, imported hybrid seeds like VRI (variable rate irrigation). Latest technology also extends to managing export or use of digital platforms for managing export that connect buyers, exporters, and farmers all over the world.

Machinery and equipment

  • For land preparation: Special equipmentis used to create a uniform seedbed. It is based on harrows and plow that breaks the clods and remove weeds and stones.
  • For harvesting: Modern and ultra-modern machinery is used for harvesting, which is crucial to produce Rhodes grass hay to meet global standards for texture and quality. A big square baler machine is used to compress its size into bales.
  • For irrigation: Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI), is applied to apply water and fertilizer nitrogen are used, all depending on requirements.

Digital technologies

  • Hybrid seeds
  • Genomic studies
  • Digital platforms 

Agricultural practices

  • Soil analysis
  • Seed treatment

Location: It is irrigated in agricultural lands of KPK, Sindh, Baluchistan, and Punjab.

Product: The product name is Rhodes grass hay.

Target Market: Local and export marketplace.

Land Preparation: Prepare the land for better irrigation system

Seed Sowing: Spread the seed evenly and must be 8kg/acre. Its ideal time from Feb to Oct.

Harvesting: Plan the first cut after 50 days and other cut should be in 30 days. Production takes 3 years to complete

Bale Making: Bales are made in rectangular shape. It is stored and then delivered.