Hybrid Napier: Is it Worth Planting?

Hybrid Napier grass is known as a perennial grass. It completes the other species that also belong to perennial ones. Hybrid means this is not the original one. Compared to the conventional Napier, this version comes in larger width of leaves. It has scientific name: Pennisetum purpureum.

Native to Africa, it is categorized as a tropical plant. The main characteristic and the thing that the farmer’s love is the water needed. This plant doesn’t need so much water and fertilizer. It doesn’t mean it doesn’t need it at all, but the farmers could take a deep breath when caring for the irrigation. It can grow on almost any land.

The Benefits of Hybrid Napier

Pests Management

The management of pests is not only solved by spraying the insecticide that sometimes can harm humans too but can be overcome by growing Hybrid Napier. This grass can be a great partner for the farmers to invite the insects to come out from the main plant.

To do this technique, you must grow the plant nearby the main plant. By applying this method, there is no worry about the chemical content of insecticide.

Also, the main plant can be classified as an organic plant. It can boost the value of the main plant and you can sell it at a higher price. Both to the plant and to the farmers, it gives a big benefit. The good news is, this method is very sustainable and needs a minimal budget.

Protects the Land from Erosion

Most grass with deep roots and tall bodies usually have the benefit to strengthen the land. This grass and other grass with the same characteristics are used as land guards.

As Green Fodder

This plant can be fed to livestock such as cattle. It can be given in raw form as fresh food. The cattle like this green fodder to energize their metabolism and their activities within a day. It fulfills the need for fibers.

As Hay and Silage Ingredients

Hybrid Napier can also be one of the hay and silage’s ingredients. Besides raw food, the livestock also needs some processed fodder to store in certain seasons. The content of water in silage also helps to maintain the livestock that has a problem with digestion.

Is Hybrid Napier Good for Livestock?

Livestock has necessities like a human: a place to live, a good environment, and good nutrient intake. To fulfill it, so many types of plants can be used as fodder ingredients including Hybrid Napier grass.

But, is Hybrid Napier good for livestock? Or it is just a common belief that every plant is great for making a healthy menu for the animals. This quest is answered by revealing the nutrient contents and do those nutrients promote livestock growth or not.

The Fiber

The content of fiber in this hybrid napier is about 26%.

The Protein Content

Surprisingly, this grass possesses more than 15% protein. Usually, tall grass has less than that.

Dry Matter

It has about 20% of dry matter.

Revealing the answer is Hybrid Napier good for livestock, the answer is yes. Especially for the livestock that focuses on dairy production. This grass boosts dairy production.

Why Growing Hybrid Napier

This question will be next to is Hybrid Napier good for the livestock. The top reason is that growing grass needs a very simple process. Without any complicated preparation.

The Land

As stated before, no special preparation is needed. This grass will grow on the land under various conditions. Some people worry that the plant will not grow well, well don’t. This strong and perennial grass will grow anyway.

Nutrition for Growth

One of my favorite thing about growing this grass is that no fertilizer is needed. You could give the grass fertilizer if you want but very few times, it will be okay. The budget that you provide for that can be used for other things.

Water

The presence of water is not the main thing for growing this plant. Hybrid Napier grass has a high tolerance for dryness. Again, the water then could be used for another thing. Maybe you could focus on the other plants that you planted.

Having Own Hay And Silage Material

Not just livestock owners or farmers who use this plant as a pest attractor could plant this grass. The fodder provider also can grow this grass to run the business. The profit is higher by growing such a strong plant like this. Then, to make the durability of the fodder longer, you can wrap the fodder with the film wrap. Make sure that you choose a high-quality film.

To sum up, this tall grass is great for livestock, especially dairy animals. The treatment of the plant is also simple. Hybrid Napier is a nice choice for both livestock and farmland business owners.