Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris)

Datasheet

Description

Click on the "Nutritional aspects" tab for recommendations for ruminants, pigs, poultry, rabbits, horses, fish and crustaceans

Common names

Buffel grass, African foxtail grass, foxtail buffalo grass, blue buffalo grass, rhodesian foxtail [English]; cenchrus cilié [French]; pasto buffel, zacate buffel [Spanish]; capim búfel [Portuguese]; buffelgras [Dutch]; السبط المهدب [Arabic]; 水牛草 [Chinese]; خورنال [Persian]

Species

Cenchrus ciliaris L. [Poaceae]

Synonyms

Cenchrus glaucus C. R. Mudaliar & Sundararaj, Pennisetum ciliare (L.) Link, Pennisetum cenchroides Rich., Pennisetum incomptum Nees ex Steud.

Related feed(s)

Description

Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) is a valuable tropical grass cultivated in Africa, Australia, and India.

Morphology

Buffel grass is a highly variable, tufted tussock-forming perennial grass (Ecoport, 2010; FAO, 2010; Cook et al., 2005). It has a deep, tough rootstock that may go as deep as 2 m. Some varieties are rhizomatous (Ecoport, 2010). The culms are erect or decumbent, reaching up to 2 m in length (Cook et al., 2005). The leaves are linear blades, green to bluish green, slightly pilose, 3-30 cm long and 4-10 mm wide (Ecoport, 2010; Clayton et al., 2006). The inflorescence is a spike-like panicle, bearing deciduous spikelets which are surrounded by hairy bristles (SANBI, 2010). The seed is an ovoid caryopsis, 1.4-2 mm long (Ecoport, 2010; Mannetje et al., 1992).

Utilisation

Cenchrus ciliaris is a very important pasture grass in the tropics (Ecocrop, 2010). It is cultivated for permanent pastures and leys in Central Africa, East Africa and northern Australia, and it is widely used as a forage grass in India (Duke, 1983). The qualities of Cenchrus ciliaris are numerous. It is easy to establish and provides comparatively high value forage with yields between 2 and 18 t DM/ha without fertilizer, and up to 24 t/ha with the addition of a complete fertilizer (Ecocrop, 2010; Osman et al., 2008). It makes reasonable quality hay when cut in the early flowering stage, yielding up to 2.5 t/ha per cut. Once the seed has been harvested, old grass can give low quality roughage for drought feeding with supplements. Cenchrus ciliaris is more rarely made into silage, as the moisture content of the grass in semi-arid areas is usually low (Göhl, 1982). Cenchrus ciliaris is palatable to stock and, once established it can withstand heavy grazing and trampling (FAO, 2010; SANBI, 2010). In arid areas, it maintains livestock during drought periods (Friedel et al., 2006). Some strains also grow well during the wet season (Göhl, 1982). It may be a valuable standover feed for winter grazing if supplemented with urea and molasses (FAO, 2010). In India the seeds may also be harvested in order to make bread or to be eaten raw by humans (Quattrocchi, 2006). There are many cultivars of Cenchrus ciliaris, mostly developed in Australia, and there are some accessions in Africa (Mannetje et al., 1992).

Distribution

Cenchrus ciliaris is native to Africa, Arabia, the Middle-East and India. It was introduced to Australia in the late 19^th century and is now widespread throughout tropical, subtropical and warm temperate areas. It can be found cultivated or naturalized in many places. It is invasive in arid and semi-arid environments and declared noxious in some areas (northern America, Hawaii, Mexico and northern Australia) (Ecoport, 2010; Cook et al., 2005).

Cenchrus ciliaris is commonly found in open bush, woodland and grassland (Ecocrop, 2010). It thrives in arid and semi-arid denuded environments, on light, sandy, rocky and shallow soils as well as in dry calcareous areas. It can be found along roadsides or dry river beds and river banks (SANBI, 2010; Quattrocchi, 2006). Cenchrus ciliaris grows from 33°S to 37°N from sea level up to an altitude of 2000 m (FAO, 2010; Cook et al., 2005). Optimal growth conditions are an annual rainfall ranging from 375 to 750 mm, with day temperatures ranging from 30°C to 35°C, on light, fertile, well-drained soils, and a soil pH between 7 and 8 (Ecoport, 2010; FAO, 2010). Cenchrus ciliaris is the most drought tolerant of the commonly sown grasses in arid areas and can be found in environments with annual rainfall as low as 100 mm. In such places, it gives the best results under irrigation, if it is available, since it has a very high water use efficiency (Osman et al., 2008). It has a moderate tolerance to salinity but is very sensitive to high aluminium and/or manganese levels (Mannetje et al., 1992). Some cultivars have a higher tolerance to salinity (cv. Biloela) (FAO, 2010; Cook et al., 2005). Buffel grass is tolerant of fire (FAO, 2010; Cook et al., 2005). It does not withstand waterlogging and is killed after 6 days under water (Ecoport, 2010).

Forage management

Cenchrus ciliaris needs time to establish and it should not be grazed before 4-6 months and possibly up to 9-12 months after sowing, depending on establishment conditions (Cook et al., 2005). It should then be cut or grazed at 7 cm high and will stand continuous or rotational grazing and 6-8 week cutting intervals (FAO, 2010; Mannetje et al., 1992). As the maximum dry matter production occurs between 42 and 56 days of plant age and stem-leaf ratio increases rapidly with plant maturity, it has been proposed that Cenchrus ciliaris should be grazed during this time (Garcia et al., 1980). Cenchrus ciliaris may be sown with Columbus grass (Sorghum x almum) as it establishes slower but for a longer period than this short-lived perennial. The association readily provides good quality pasture. Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) and Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) are also useful companions (Mannetje et al., 1992).

Frequent grazing improves N content of the grass. When used for hay, Cenchrus ciliaris should be cut in the early flowering stage so that nutritive value does not drop. Fire can also be beneficial as it destroys old vegetative woody grass without damaging the crowns: the plant recovers and young leaves with higher nutritive value appear (FAO, 2010).

Environmental impact

Soil erosion control

One of the best adapted grasses to semi-arid conditions, Cenchrus ciliaris is valuable for erosion control in such places. In Australia, it was successfully planted for revegetation and erosion control in parks, reserves and river catchments from the 1960s to the mid-1970s (Payne et al., 2004; Albrecht et al., 1997). In a farm in Central Australia, using Cenchrus ciliaris in combination with ponding banks in a severely degraded area increased grazing capacity 10-fold after five years (Friedel et al., 2006). However, its tussocky nature does not allow for complete ground cover (FAO, 2010).

Weed

Cenchrus ciliaris is an aggressive grass due to its root system and allelopathic toxicity towards other seeds. It spreads readily and can out-compete native pastures in Australia and in southern USA. It is declared a noxious weed in several arid states of the USA, in Hawaii, in Mexico and in northern Australia (Ecoport, 2010; Friedel et al., 2006; Cook et al., 2005). Cenchrus ciliaris can significantly raise the fire hazzard (frequency and intensity) of an area to the point of removing competing shrubs and trees (Carter, 2006). In Australia, it is recommended for the control of calotropis (Calotropis procera) colonies thanks to its allelopathic effect on roots (Parsons et al., 2001). There have been many attempts to understand the spreading mechanism of buffel grass to help determine control strategies (Jackson, 2004). For example, it thrives in conjunction with legumes such as Desmanthus leptophyllus, Desmanthus virgatus, Desmanthus bicornutus, Leucaena leucocephala, Macroptilium atropurpureum, sicklebush (Dichrostachys cinerea), Stylosanthes hamata, Stylosanthes scabra, Stylosanthes seabrana and Stylosanthes humilis, because of the improved N status of the soil (Orwa et al., 2009; Cook et al., 2005).

Biodiversity

Cenchrus ciliaris has been declared an environmental weed in northern Australia and is thought to have a negative impact on biodiversity through competition, altered soil nutrients, water availability, shading, altered fire regimes and changes in availability of dispersal or pollination agents. It decreases the diversity of fauna through removal of flora diversity (Friedel et al., 2006).

Nutritional aspects

Nutritional attributes

Young Cenchrus ciliaris contains about 6-16% DM crude protein, but in old grass this can be as low as 4% DM (Cook et al., 2005; Göhl, 1982; Jacobs et al., 2004).

Potential constraints

Oxalates

Cenchrus ciliaris is reported to contain 1 to 4% DM of total oxalate (Mannetje et al., 1992; Silcock et al., 1983; Walthall et al., 1976; Jones et al., 1972), which may cause "big head" disease (Osteodystrophia fibrosa) in horses and hypocalcemia in grazing animals (Cheeke, 1995). Symptoms of big head diseases are ill thrift, lameness, and swelling of the skull (Walthall et al., 1976). This disease is most prevalent during the wet season when buffel grass is young and lush (FAO, 2010). Ruminants are less susceptible to oxalate poisoning but may suffer from hypocalcemia (milk fever in dairy cows) and develop renal problems. They have to be gradually introduced to oxalic acid in order to change the rumen flora into one able to mitigate oxalate toxicity (Duncan et al., 2000). Calcium supplementation by feeding limestone or dolomite may help controlling hypocalcemia (FAO, 2010).

Ruminants

Cenchrus ciliaris is considered to be highly nutritive and excellent for pasture in hot, dry areas. It is valued for its production of palatable forage and intermittent grazing during dry periods in the tropics. In Australia, it was found to be beneficial for maintaining livestock during droughts and increasing production per head and per hectare compared with alternative grasses. This was reflected in increasing returns per kilogram for finishing cattle, partly through reducing the age at slaughter, increasing options for management, and reducing dominance of unpalatable grasses due to heavy dry season grazing (Cook et al., 2005).

Digestibility

The digestibility of fresh Cenchrus ciliaris fed to sheep after 30 to 50 days of regrowth was in the 60-69% range (Combellas et al., 1972). In vitro OM digestibility of standing hay ranged from 53 to 64% (Jacobs et al., 2004). The digestibility of buffel grass hay fed to sheep at 56 days of regrowth was in the 49-69% range depending on the amount of N fertilizer applied to the crop (0 to 100 kg/ha) (Donaldson et al., 1977). In Mexico it was found that the nutrient content and digestion parameters of Cenchrus ciliaris varied among seasons; nutrient digestion was higher during summer and autumn and lower during spring and winter (Ramirez et al., 2001). While live-weight gain was related to digestibility, selecting buffel grass for higher digestibility would not necessarily identify the highest quality genotypes in terms of animal production (Minson et al., 1995).

Cattle

Pasture and fresh forage

Cenchrus ciliaris can carry up to one grazing steer per ha and cattle can gain up to 180-200 kg/head/year, at 2 ha/animal on fertile soils under good growing conditions (Cook et al., 2005). In Australia, buffel grass grown on impoverished land produced weight loss in cattle between May and November, but where adequate fertilizer was applied annual live weight gain of 160 kg/ha was achieved (FAO, 2010).

Hay

In Tanzania, supplementing Cenchrus ciliaris hay with leaves from four legumes improved crude protein intake in growing Mpwapwa bulls (Mero et al., 1998).

Sheep and goats

Pasture and fresh forage

Cenchrus ciliaris can carry up to 6 sheep/ha (Cook et al., 2005). The voluntary intake of fresh buffel grass fed to sheep after 30 to 50 days of regrowth ranged between 70 and 80 g/kg W^0.75 (Combellas et al., 1972). Early harvesting and feeding at levels allowing at least 30% refusals is recommended for growing sheep (Mero et al., 1998). In India, it was concluded that while Cenchrus ciliaris pastures provide adequate nutrition to sheep and goats during the lush season, supplementation becomes necessary during the lean season (Shinde et al., 1996).

Hay

Cenchrus ciliaris hay cut at 56 days of regrowth resulted in voluntary intake in the 50-65 g/kg W^0.75 range and average daily gain from -4.5 to 57.3 g, depending on N fertilization (0 to 100 kg/ha) (Donaldson et al., 1977).

Rabbits

Fresh buffel grass is very palatable for rabbits in short term as in long term comparative tropical grass forages tests (Iyeghe-Erakpotobor et al., 2008). Nevertheless the low to very low content of protein and the high level of fibre exclude any possibility of utilisation as sole feed. But this forage (hay) may be an interesting source of fibre when introduced in complete balanced diets. It could introduced up to 30% in rabbit complete feeds tested with adult rabbits (Prasad et al., 1996 cited by Bhatt et al., 2001).

Horses and donkeys

Horses should not graze Cenchrus ciliaris because it may cause "big head" disease (see Potential constraints above).

Nutritional tables

Tables of chemical composition and nutritional value

Avg: average or predicted value; SD: standard deviation; Min: minimum value; Max: maximum value; Nb: number of values (samples) used

Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris), aerial part, fresh

Main analysis	Unit	Avg	SD	Min	Max	Nb
Dry matter	% as fed	30.1	7.4	18.4	46.3	78
Crude protein	% DM	7.1	1.8	3.6	11.7	105
Crude fibre	% DM	40.2	5.0	31.9	48.0	82
NDF	% DM	75.1	2.8	63.1	75.1	17	*
ADF	% DM	46.6	2.7	33.2	46.6	21	*
Lignin	% DM	6.8	1.8	3.4	10.1	19	*
Ether extract	% DM	2.1	0.5	1.2	3.1	77
Ash	% DM	9.1	2.5	5.4	16.4	89
Gross energy	MJ/kg DM	18.3					*

Minerals	Unit	Avg	SD	Min	Max	Nb
Calcium	g/kg DM	2.6	0.9	0.9	5.5	70
Phosphorus	g/kg DM	1.7	0.7	0.7	3.9	70
Potassium	g/kg DM	19.5	8.2	6.6	36.0	46
Sodium	g/kg DM	0.9	0.4	0.2	1.2	4
Magnesium	g/kg DM	2.2	0.4	1.3	2.8	44
Manganese	mg/kg DM	33				1
Zinc	mg/kg DM	179		27	332	2
Copper	mg/kg DM	14		4	23	2
Iron	mg/kg DM	1687				1

Ruminant nutritive values	Unit	Avg	SD	Min	Max	Nb
OM digestibility, Ruminant	%	56.7	7.7	55.0	74.9	5	*
Energy digestibility, ruminants	%	54.2					*
DE ruminants	MJ/kg DM	9.9					*
ME ruminants	MJ/kg DM	8.0					*
Nitrogen digestibility, ruminants	%	57.4	11.5	41.0	76.2	6

The asterisk * indicates that the average value was obtained by an equation.

References

Aumont et al., 1991; Caceres et al., 1986; CIRAD, 1991; French, 1943; Gowda et al., 2004; Kabuga et al., 1993; Khan et al., 1999; Malik et al., 1967; Nasrullah et al., 2003; Pozy et al., 1996; Rodrigues et al., 2004; Sultan et al., 2007; Xandé et al., 1989

Last updated on 24/10/2012 00:43:51

Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris), hay

Main analysis	Unit	Avg	SD	Min	Max	Nb
Dry matter	% as fed	90.0	3.1	87.0	93.1	3
Crude protein	% DM	9.0	0.8	7.4	10.5	13
Crude fibre	% DM	33.8	2.8	30.6	35.7	3
NDF	% DM	69.1	2.3	69.1	73.9	10	*
ADF	% DM	39.6	0.8	39.6	49.3	10	*
Lignin	% DM	5.3	0.0	5.3	8.8	10	*
Ether extract	% DM	1.9	0.3	1.7	2.3	3
Ash	% DM	11.8	0.6	11.3	12.6	16
Gross energy	MJ/kg DM	17.6					*

Ruminant nutritive values	Unit	Avg	SD	Min	Max	Nb
OM digestibility, Ruminant	%	60.3	2.3	56.1	63.6	18	*
Energy digestibility, ruminants	%	56.8					*
DE ruminants	MJ/kg DM	10.0					*
ME ruminants	MJ/kg DM	8.1					*
Nitrogen digestibility, ruminants	%	53.0	11.3	41.3	63.7	3

The asterisk * indicates that the average value was obtained by an equation.

References

French, 1943; Mero et al., 1998; Todd, 1956

Last updated on 24/10/2012 00:43:52

References

Aganga, A. A. ; Autlwetse, M. N., 2000. Utilization of sorghum forage, millet forage, veldt grass and buffel grass by Tswana sheep and goats when fed Lablab purpureus L. as protein supplement. Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci., 13 (8): 1127
Albrecht, D. ; Pitts, B., 1997. Buffel grass on Parks and Wildlife Commission reserves. Alice Springs Rural Review, 27: 7
Artus, F. ; Champannet, F., 1989. Contribution to the study of hay production in a humid tropical environment: drying and conservation factors in Martinique. In: Pâturages et alimentation des ruminants en zone tropicale humide, 65-76. Symposium sur l'alimentation des ruminants en milieu tropical (du 02/06/1987 au 06/06/1987; Pointe-a-Pitre (FRA)) INRA
Barry, G. A., 1984. Cobalt concentrations in pasture species grown in several cattle grazing areas of Queensland. Queensland J. Agric. Anim. Sci., 41 (2): 73-81
Bhatt, R. S.; Sharma, S. R., 2001. Nutrient utilisation and growth performance of broiler rabbits fed oat plant meal and tall fescue hay. Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci., 14 (9): 1228-1232
Caceres, O. ; Kalous, J, 1986. Nutritional value of tropical forage crops grown in Cuba. 1. Differences between grass species. Sbornik Vysoke Skoly Zemedelske v Praze, Fakulta Agronomicka B. 1986, No. 44, 297 309
Carter, J., 2006. Valuable pasture species versus environmental weed. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ecosystem Sciences, Melbourne
Cheeke, P. R., 1995. Endogenous toxins and mycotoxins in forage grasses and their effects on livestock. J. Anim. Sci., 73 (3): 909-918
Clayton, W. D. ; Harman, K. T. ; Williamson, H., 2006. GrassBase - The Online World Grass Flora. The Board of Trustees, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Coates, D. B. ; Mayer, R. J., 2009. Differences between the in vitro digestibility of extrusa collected from oesophageal fistulated steers and the forage consumed. Anim. Prod. Sci., 49: 563–573
Combellas, J. ; Gonzalez J. E., 1972. Yield and nutritive value of tropical forages 2. Cenchrus ciliaris L. cv. Biloela. Agronomia Tropical, 22 (6): 623-634
Cook, B. G.; Pengelly, B. C.; Brown, S. D.; Donnelly, J. L.; Eagles, D. A.; Franco, M. A. ; Hanson, J.; Mullen, B. F.; Partridge, I. J.; Peters, M.; Schultze-Kraft, R., 2005. Tropical forages. CSIRO, DPI&F(Qld), CIAT and ILRI, Brisbane, Australia
Das, R. B. ; Paroda, R. S., 1980. Rational utilization of grazing resources for sustained primary and secondary productivity in arid zone of western Rajasthan. Annals of Arid Zone, 19 (4): 407-412
Donaldson, C. H. ; Rootman, G. T., 1977. Evaluation of Cenchrus ciliaris: 1. Effects of nitrogen level and cutting frequency on digestibility and voluntary intake. Afr. J. Range & Forage Sci., 12 (1)
Duke, J. A., 1983. Handbook of Energy Crops. NewCROPS web site, Purdue University
Duncan, A. J. ; Frutos, P. ; Young, S. A., 2000. The effect of rumen adaptation to oxalic acid on selection of oxalic-acid-rich plants by goats. Br. J. Nutr., 83: 59-65
Ecocrop, 2010. Ecocrop database. FAO
Ecoport, 2010. Ecoport database. Ecoport
FAO, 2010. Grassland Index. A searchable catalogue of grass and forage legumes. FAO, Rome, Italy
Fonseca, D. M. da; Escuder, C. J., 1983. Stocking rate and productivity on buffel grass pastures. Rev. Soc. Bras. Zootec., 12 (1): 11-24
Ford, C. W. ; Wilson, J. R., 1981. Changes in levels of solutes during osmotic adjustment to water stress in leaves of four tropical pasture species. Aust. J. Plant Physiol., 8 (1): 77-91
French, M. H., 1943. The compositions and nutritive values of Tanganyika feeding stuffs. E. Afr. Agric. For. J., 8 (3): 126-132
Friedel, M. ; Puckey, H. ; O’Malley, C. ; Waycott, M. ; Smyth, A. ; Miller, G., 2006. Buffel grass: both friend and foe - An evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of buffel grass use, and recommendations for future research. Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre, Alice Springs
Garcia, R. ; Silva, U, 1980. Nutritive value, productivity and morphological characteristics of buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris, L.) cv. Gayndah. Society for Range Management, 33rd Annual Meeting, San Diego, California, February 11-14, 1980, Abstracts and Position Statements: p. 7
Göhl, B., 1982. Les aliments du bétail sous les tropiques. FAO, Division de Production et Santé Animale, Roma, Italy
Gupta, A. K. ; Joshi, D. C., 1984. Effect of grazing on protein and mineral composition, and in vitro dry matter digestibility of different pasture species of the arid zone. Indian J. Anim. Sci., 54 (3): 270-274
Iyeghe-Erakpotobor, G. T. ; Muhammad, I. R., 2008. Intake of tropical grass, legume and legume-grass mixtures by rabbits. Trop. Grassl., 42: 112-119
Jackson, J., 2004. Impacts and management of Cenchrus ciliaris (buffel grass) as an invasive species in northern Queensland. Thesis in Tropical plant sciences, James Cook University
Jacobs, S. S. ; van Niekerk, W. A. ; Coertze, R. J., 2004. Qualitative evaluation of Cenchrus ciliaris cv. Molopo and Gayndah as foggage. South Afr. J. Anim. Sci., 34 (5): 65-67
Jones, R. J. ; Ford, C. W., 1972. The soluble oxalate content of some tropical pasture grasses grown in south-east Queensland. Trop. Grassl., 6 (3): 201-204
Keba, H. T. ; Madakadze, I. C. ; Angassa, A. ; Hassen, A., 2013. Nutritive value of grasses in semi-arid rangelands of Ethiopia: local experience based herbage preference evaluation versus laboratory analysis. Asian-Australas. J. Anim. Sci., 26 (3): 366-377
Kerridge, P. C. ; McLean, RW, 1988. Fertilizer and supplementary phosphorus responses by cattle on legume pastures in S.E. Queensland. Proceedings of the Australian Society of Animal Production. 1988, 17, 426
Khan, M. F. ; Anderson, D. M. ; Nutkani, M. I. ; Butt, N. M., 1999. Preliminary results from reseeding degraded Dera Ghazi Khan rangeland to improve small ruminant production in Pakistan. Small Rumin. Res., 32: 43-49
Malik, M. Y. ; Sheikh, A. A., 1967. Studies on the chemical composition of pasture grasses. Pakistan J. Sci., 19: 209
Mannetje, L. 't; Kersten, S. M. M., 1992. Cenchrus ciliaris L.. Record from Proseabase. 't Mannetje, L. and Jones, R. M. (Editors). PROSEA (Plant Resources of South-East Asia) Foundation, Bogor, Indonesia
Mero, R. ; Uden, P., 1998. Promising tropical grasses and legumes as feed resources in Central Tanzania. III: Effect of feeding level on digestibility and voluntary intake of four grasses by sheep. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol., 70 (1): 79-95
Minson, D. J. ; Bray, R. A., 1985. In vivo digestibility and voluntary intake by sheep of five lines of Cenchrus ciliaris selected on the basis of in vitro digestibility. Aust. J. Exp. Agric. Anim. Husb., 25 (2): 306-310
Minson, D. J. ; Bray, R. A., 1986. Voluntary intake and in vivo digestibility by sheep of five lines of Cenchrus ciliaris selected on the basis of preference rating. Grass and Forage Sci., 41 (1): 47-52
Minson, D. J. ; Hacker, J. B., 1995. Production by sheep grazing six Cenchrus ciliaris accessions. Trop. Grassl., 29: 34-39
Oliveira, M. C. de; Silva, C. M. M. de S. ; Albuquerque, S. G. de; Bernadino, F. A., 1988. The performance of forage grasses under conditions of intensive grazing by cattle in the semi arid region of northeast Brazil. Documentos Centro de Pesquisa Agropecuaria do Tropico Semi Arido, EMBRAPA. 1988, No. 56, 15 pp
Orwa, C.; Mutua, A.; Kindt, R.; Jamnadass, R.; Anthony, S., 2009. Agroforestree Database: a tree reference and selection guide version 4.0. World Agroforestry Centre, Kenya
Osman, A. E. ; Makawi, M. ; Ahmed, R., 2008. Potential of the indigenous desert grasses of the Arabian Peninsula for forage production in a water-scarce region. Grass and Forage Sci., 63 (4): 495–503
Pal, K.; Patra, A. K.; Sahoo, A.; Soren, N. M., 2015. Effects of nitrate and fumarate in tree leaves-based diets on nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation, microbial protein supply and blood profiles in sheep. Livest. Sci., 172: 5-15
Parsons, W. T. ; Cuthbertson, E. G., 2001. Noxious weeds of Australia. CSIRO Publishing, 712 pp
Payne, A. L. ; Watson, I. W. ; Novelly, P. E., 2004. Spectacular recovery in the Ord River catchment. Miscellaneous Publication 17/2004, Department of Agriculture, Perth, Western Australia
Quattrocchi, U., 2006. CRC World dictionary of grasses: common names, scientific names, eponyms, synonyms, and etymology. CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group, Boca Raton, USA
Rafay, M.; Khan, R. A.; Yaqoob, S.; Ahmad, M., 2013. Nutritional evaluation of major range grasses from Cholistan Desert. Pakistan J. Nutr., 12 (1): 23-29
Ramirez, R. ; Foroughbackhch, R. ; Hauad, L. ; Ba-Avila, J. ; Garcia-Castillo, C. ; Espinosa-Vazquez, M., 2001. Seasonal dynamics of dry matter, crude protein and cell wall digestion in total plant, leaves and stems of common buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris). J. Appl. Anim. Res., 19 (2): 209-218
Ramírez Lozano, R. G. ; Martell, A. E. ; Lozano González, F., 2001. Nutritional value and ruminal degradability of buffel grass and nine native grasses from the NE of Mexico. Ciencia UANL, 4 (3): 314-321
Reddy, D. V., 1998. The effect of supplementation of green forages (Cenchrus ciliaris/Stylosanthes hamata/subabul) on utilisation of rice straw-poultry droppings-rice bran-fish meal diet in buffalo. Buffalo J., 14 (1): 31-44
Rosiles Martinez, R. ; Rivas Montalvo, V. ; Aguirre G, M. A. ; Lopez Lopez, R., 1986. Levels of essential mineral elements in cultivated grasses from the Mexican tropics. Veterinaria Mexico, 17 (1): 13-16
SANBI, 2010. Cenchrus ciliaris. South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africa
Sawal, R. K. ; Ram Ratan; Chander, S., 2009. Nutritive evaluation of Lasiurus sindicus and Cenchrus ciliaris hays in sheep. Indian J. Small Rumin., 15 (2): 277-280
Shinde, A. K. ; Sankhyan, S. K. ; Karim, S. A. ; Singh, N. P. ; Patnayak, B., 1996. Nutrient intake, its utilization, and performance of sheep and goats on semi arid Cenchrus ciliaris pasture. World Rev. Anim. Prod., 31 (2): 35-40
Silcock, R. G. ; Smith, F. T., 1983. Soluble oxalates in summer pastures on a mulga soil. Trop. Grassl., 17 (4): 179-181
Touvin, H, 1989. Grass legume associations in the tropics. Results of trials in wet and dry areas. Paturages et alimentation des ruminants en zone tropicale humide, 1989, 333-348
Upadhyay, V. S. ; Rai, P. ; Patil, B. D., 1980. Comparison of two tropical grass species for growth and milk production in dairy cattle under grazing conditions. Indian J. Range Manage., 1980, 1: 2, 129 135
Walthall, J. C. ; McKenzie, R. A., 1976. Osteodystrophia fibrosa in horses at pasture in Queensland: field and laboratory observations. Aust. Vet. J., 52 (1): 11-16

Datasheet citation

Heuzé V., Tran G., Baumont R., Lebas F., 2016. Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris). Feedipedia, a programme by INRAE, CIRAD, AFZ and FAO. https://www.feedipedia.org/node/482 Last updated on April 1, 2016, 17:12

English correction by Tim Smith (Animal Science consultant) and Hélène Thiollet (AFZ)

Image credits

Sponsored by

Automatic translation

Feed categories

Scientific names

Tools

Resources

Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris)