Harvesting for hay should occur before heading or at about a 30 to 40 inch height. Use of a conditioner or crimper, if possible, is desired for proper curing. Leave a 6 to 10 inch stubble for best regrowth potential. Pasture Pearl millet is similar to sudangrass for pasture potential. It was introduced to the northern regions of the United States as a pasturing type of annual forage.
Pearl millet has excellent regrowth potential due to tillering responses to defoliation.
Prussic acid toxicity IS NOT present in pearl millet, which will make it more desirable than sudangrass varieties, hybrids and crosses. A period of four to six weeks of growth or height of 24 to 30 inches are recommended before grazing. Plants at this stage result in best forage production potential and minimize high nitrate levels. Plants grazed before this recommended time may have nitrate levels toxic to livestock. Drought stresses pearl millet, causing nitrate levels to be higher than normal.