ABSTRACT
It is the most palatable fodder crop to animals because of its high leaf:stem ratio. It contains 10% crude protein at young leafy stage. Apart from its use as green fodder, it also can be used as hay or silage when the harvesting is delayed and the protein content starts decreasing. Guinea grass, also known as pasto guinea or mijo de guinea or green panic grass, is a perennial grass with high value as a palatable nutritious fodder crop. It is a large perennial bunch grass that is native to Africa, Palestine, and Yemen. It has been introduced in the tropic and subtropic around the world. The grass is very much preferred mainly for its taste, high yield, and good performance. Average green fodder yield is about 800-1000 quintals/ha per year. The production potential of guinea grass is 450-600 quintals/ha of green fodder per year in saline soils. In acid soils, the production potential of the grass is 800-900 quintals/ha. This grass contains hepatotoxin which causes photosensitization in animals. Animals with white skin or white patches usually suffer from this disease.
