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EFFECT OF MONTHLY CUTS ON CHEMICAL COMPOSITION [Vol. XXIII, Part III,
Dichanthium annulalum (Stapf). It is one of the most recognised fodder grasses
and is known as zingoo, kail, apang, palwan and gergha in different parts of the
country. It is a perennial densely tufted grass occurring on a variety of soils and
favours medium to low rainfall regions [Bor, 1940 ; Burns, 1916]. Duthie [1888]
puts it as a first class fodder grass. It flowers all the cold weather. The present
data refer to a selected strain from Karnal.
Themeda trimula (Hack). It is a perennial grass known as barki, bungrat, gundi
and gangdad. It is considered to be a good fodder grass [Blatter and McCann,
1935 ; Jacob, 1945]. The sample of the grass was collected from Bijapur (Deccan)
and it flowers very late.
Pennisetum orientale (Rich). It is a perennial grass and is very leafy [Bor,
1940]. It flowers in the rains and early cold weather. It shows a very early spring
growth and stands cutting well. This collection is from Simla and is locally known
as bimalsia.
Panicum repens (L). It is a perennial glaucus grass. It flourishes in moist
situations and is an excellent binder of the soil. When once established, it is very
difficult to get rid of it on account of its rhizomes. It is considered to be one of the
most nutritious fodder grasses. It yields a considerable quantity of grain also.
The sample was collected from Conoor and is locally known as silkhoo.
Chrysopogon montanus (Trin). This is an extremely variable perennial grass
growing in tufts of many culms and leafy at the base. Burns [1916] considers this
grass as an excellent fodder before flowering though the leaf appears somewhat
coarse. Bor [1940] says that this grass is not suitable for silage, as it contains too
much water. According to Lisoba [1896] it is reckoned as a good fodder in
Mount Abu and the grain is used by the natives. The present data are collected
on a robust strain of the grass collected from Nagpur, locally known as dhawlu.
Other common names of the grass are goria, chickua and dongri-gawat.
Sehima nervosum (Stapf). A perennial grass growing in compact tufts. It
tolerates a wide variety of soils but avoids those very wet and heavy. Usually
found in the open, but can stand moderate shade. This grass can stand drought
well and flowers at the beginning of cold weather [Bor, 1940]. This is one of the good
fodder grasses and is much liked by cattle. According to Jacob [1945], Swhima
nervosum thrives under partial shade and is considered the best forest fodder grass
and is the main-stay of the Amritmahal breed of cattle of Mysore. The variety
is from Nagpur locally known as sheda.
Heteropogon contortus (Roem et schult). This is the wellknown 'spear-grass'
also known as sukla and kusal. It is densely tufted perennial grass found chiefly
in dry areas. The grass forms an excellent hay and is eaten by cattle before the
inflorescence forms. When the fruit is mature the cattle avoid it, the awned fruit
cause severe sores in the gums and mouths of cattle. " In Mount Abu the people
consider it best fodder grass they have. In other districts it is said to be eaten only
by buffaloes when they are hungry and cannot get other kinds of grasses "—Duthie
[1888]. It flowers from October onwards. Present analysis refers to a very leafy,
profusely tillering and late maturing strain from Guna (Gwalior).