Effect of rhodesgrass height and varieties on in situ dry matter, protein and fibre degradation in dromedary camels

Two first compartment cannulated mature dromedary camels weighing an average of 450 kg were used to estimate dry matter, protein and fibre degradation for three varieties of rhodesgrass (Pioneer, Boma and Alimba) with two heights (25 and 50 cm) using nylon bag technique. Height was more important than variety differences for CP disappearance. The magnitude of decline in DM, NDF and ADF disappearance with height were more important in Pioneer than the other two varieties. Pioneer and Boma 25 cm exhibited more extensive ruminai DM and CP degradation, respectively. The data suggest that rhodesgrass 25 cm especially Pioneer gave a higher ruminally degraded DM, CP, NDF and ADF. However, rhodesgrass 50 cm seems to have a greater potential for more undegraded protein to leave the first compartment of the camel.