GANDHIRAJAN. K.
P. G. Scholar, Department of Animal Nutrition
Veterinary College and Research Institute-Orathanadu, TANUVAS University (T.N.), India
*(e-mail: gandhirajan2807@gmail.com)
(Received: 14 March 2026; Accepted: 28 March 2026)
SUMMARY
Oxalates are important anti-nutritional constituents in tropical fodder grasses and may interfere with calcium metabolism in livestock when present at higher concentrations. The present study was conducted at the Veterinary College and Research Institute (VCRI), Orathanadu to evaluate the effect of harvesting days and species on oxalate content in different Napier grass varieties. Five species, namely Super napier, Red napier, CO-3, CO-4 and CO-5, were evaluated at three harvesting intervals (Day 30, Day 45 and Day 60). The experiment was carried out in a Completely Randomized Design with factorial arrangement and the data were analysed using two-way analysis of variance. Days and species affected oxalate content (p<0.001), whereas their interaction was not detected (p=0.788). Oxalate content decreased progressively with increasing harvesting interval. Higher oxalate values were observed on Day 30 (3.064 ± 0.011), followed by Day 45 (2.934 ± 0.011), while the lowest value was recorded on Day 60 (2.794 ± 0.011). Among species, Super napier recorded the highest oxalate content (3.317 ± 0.014), whereas CO-5 showed the lowest value (2.547 ± 0.014). Delayed harvesting reduced oxalate concentration in Napier grasses and CO-5 exhibited comparatively lower oxalate content, indicating better fodder suitability.
Key words: CO-5, cutting interval, Napier grass, oxalate, titrimetric method