Cenchrus biflorus

Indian sandbur

Erect annual 15-60 cm high. Adapted to hot dry tropical areas with a short growing season, and generally found on sandy soils. A good pasture grass when young, and also used for hay and silage. Persists almost throughout the dry season and is important as a reliable source of fodder. Mature grass has sharp bristles; but ensiling softens them, so that the silage can be eaten without problems.

							As % of dry matter
						DM	CP	CF	Ash	EE	NFE	Ref
Fresh, early bloom, Tanzania						20.0	10.3	37.8	6.7	2.0	43.2	174
Fresh, late bloom, Tanzania							11.6	33.9	7.7	2.8	44.0	"
Fresh, mid-bloom, Niger							10.0	34.6	11.1	1.5	42.8	45
Fresh, early bloom, India						94.9	9.0	32.9	11.6	1.0	45.5	436
							Digestibility (%)
					Animal		CP	CF	EE	NFE	ME	Ref
Fresh, early bloom					Sheep		71.0	75.0	64.0	69.0	2.51	174
Fresh, late bloom					Sheep		70.0	72.0	78.0	68.0	2.48	"
Hay, early bloom					Zebu		58.4	58.0	36.9	50.2	1.77	281