Elephantgrass, a tropical grass for cutting and grazing
Antônio Vander Pereira, M. A. Lira, J. C. Machado, Carlos Augusto de Miranda Gomide, Carlos Eugênio Martins, F.J.S. Lédo, Rogério Figueiredo Daher
Abstract
Elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum. syn. Cenchrus purpureus) is one of the most important forage plants worldwide, cultivated in almost all tropical and subtropical regions due to its high potential for dry matter production, nutritional value, acceptability by different animal species and categories, vigor, and persistence. It has shown great potential for biomass energy production and other forms of non-forage use. This study aimed to review the current knowledge about the cultivation and use elephantgrass focused on pasture and silage. The study also describes the main morphological, genetic, and cytogenetic characteristics of the species, and methods and strategies for obtaining improved cultivars. The release of dwarf type cultivars for grazing and cultivars with high-yield potential for silage has increased the interest in the cultivation of elephantgrass in the beef and dairy cattle production.