Management of napier grass (pennisetum purpureum (l.) schumach) for high yield and nutritional quality in Ethiopia: a review

Abstract

Development of the livestock subsector in Ethiopia is hindered by many constraints, of which the unavailability of quality feed is a major factor. This result in low growth rates, poor fertility and high mortality rates of ruminant animals in the country. Increased livestock production can be achieved through the cultivation of high-quality forages with high yielding ability that are adapted to biotic and abiotic environmental stresses in Ethiopia. Amongst the recommended improved forage crops in Ethiopia, Napier grass can provide green forage throughout the year.With appropriate management practices it also best fits to intensive small-scale farming systems. Moreover, Napier grass grows well in soil conservation areas, around homesteads and along roads under smallholder conditions in Ethiopia but it lacks proper management and utilization practices. Therefore, this paper highlights results of different management practices so far undertaken to increase the yield and quality of Napier grass, indicate gaps and possible future research and development directions that deserve attention for better utilization and management of Napier grass in Ethiopia.