Paspalum dilatum

Dallis grass

Strongly tufted, rather coarse, leafy and deep-rooted perennial 60-l50 cm high. Found in humid areas, especially in the subtropics where rainfall is above 900 mm a year. Tolerates both waterlogging and drought. Very palatable and nutritious, but not high-yielding unless heavily manured. Recovers rapidly after drought or grazing, but should not be cut below 5-9 cm. Valued for its vigour, persistence and ability to withstand heavy grazing.

							As % of dry matter
						DM	CP	CF	Ash	EE	NFE	Ref
Fresh, mid-bloom, Tanzania						19.1	9.9	35.7	8.2	1.8	44.4	82
Fresh, first cutting, early
bloom, Tanzania						25.0	6.7	31.8	11.5	1.6	48.4	175
Fresh, second cutting, early
bloom, Tanzania						30.0	6.2	31.9	10.3	1.5	50.1	"
Fresh leaves only, at 50 cm
high, South Africa							13.3	36.2	6.9			100
Fresh stems only, at 50 cm
high, South Africa							8.8	43.2	6.4			"
							Digestibility (%)
					Animal		CP	CF	EE	NFE	ME	Ref
Mid-bloom					Sheep		54.1	69.4	31.7	58.2	2.10	82
Early bloom, first
cutting					Sheep		49.3	77.4	56.3	73.8	2.39	175
Early bloom, second
cutting					Sheep		53.2	76.5	53.3	75.8	2.46	"