Pennisetum clandestinum

Kikuyu grass

Low-grade perennial with stems up to 1.2 m high that thrives only on fertile soils with good drainage. Drought resistant and palatable. Suitable solely for permanent pasture at high elevations with well-distributed rainfall. High protein content and digestibility even when mature. The turf needs to be broken up regularly and well manured. Vigorous and aggressive, it withstands heavy grazing, but stocking rates should be tight until the runners are growing vigorously and all bare soil is covered. Established from planted pieces of stolons spaced 50 x 50 cm.

							As % of dry matter
						DM	CP	CF	Ash	EE	NFE	Ref
Fresh, 10 cm, Kenya						25.0	24.8	20.9	9.5	4.0	40.8	480
Fresh, 25 cm, Kenya						15.0	23.5	24.5	13.4	3.0	35.6	"
Fresh leaves only, at 40 cm,
S. Africa							13.8	30.5	7.6			100
Fresh stems only, at 40 cm,
S. Africa							11.6	33.9	7.6			"
Hay, Kenya							12.1	35.2	10.5	0.8	41.4	415
							Digestibility (%)
					Animal		CP	CF	EE	NFE	ME	Ref
Fresh, 10 cm					Sheep		73.6	69.4	61.4	75.4	2.62	480
Fresh, 25 cm					Sheep		67.0	52.5	57.3	58.2	2.03	"
Hay					Sheep		53.2	67.1	0.0	49.8	1.87	415