title: Pangola grass as forage for ruminant animals: a review.
abstract: This review focuses on the introduction and investigation of pangola grass as a tropical forage species especially in Thailand. Pangola grass (Digitaria eriantha Steud., synonym D. decumbens) is one of recent examples of grasses that have been successfully introduced to Southeast Asia and is often considered as one of the highest quality tropical grasses popularly grown as pasture. Pangola grass is utilized extensively as grass for animal grazing, hay and silage making. Its crude protein content is commonly in the order of 5 to 14% of dry matter and may exceed 15% of dry matter with young regrowth under high fertilization. It has been documented that the type and number of ruminants receiving pangola grass can determine the success of its use. Results obtained when pangola grass in fresh, hay or silage form was fed to ruminant animals as supplements showed better performances in body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass yield, meat quality, and milk yield and composition. In conclusion, pangola grass is a promising forage and a source of high quality feed for ruminant animals in tropical countries.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany.
authors.forename: Kanitta
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tikam
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal and Aquatic Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand.
authors.forename: Chirawat
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Phatsara
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal and Aquatic Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand.
authors.forename: Choke
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mikled
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal and Aquatic Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200 Thailand.
authors.forename: Therdchai
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Vearasilp
authors.affiliation: Lampang Animal Nutrition Research and Development Center, Lampang, 52190 Thailand.
authors.forename: Wirapon
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Phunphiphat
authors.affiliation: Bureau of Animal Nutrition Development, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand.
authors.forename: Jeerasak
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chobtang
authors.affiliation: Tropical Feed Resources Research and Development Center (TROFREC), Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002 Thailand.
authors.forename: Anusorn
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cherdthong
authors.affiliation: Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany.
authors.forename: Karl-Heinz
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Südekum
keywords: Pangola grass; Ruminants; Thailand; Tropical forage