Dr. Jolly Kabirizi
It is not recommended for hay making owing to its high moisture content.
Toxic nitrogen accumulates in Pakchong 1 Super Napier grass after application of fertilizer
to the soil. The grass should not be fed to cattle for 10-15 days after application of
fertilizer (https://vetmedicinebd.com/super-napier-grass-pakchong/).
Pakchong 1 Super Napier grass cannot be fed to the animal for 2 days after the first rain
of the year or after lightning . If grass is to be fed at this time, then after cutting the grass from the field, it
should first be left in the sun for one day.
Lactating dairy cows feeding on Super Napier grass MUST be supplemented with protein,
minerals and energy sources.
Farmers are transporting planting materials/cuttings from fields that are already affected
by Napier grass stunt disease to new Pakchong 1 Super Napier grass fields. Farmers are
advised to check their fields regularly for symptoms of Napier grass stunt disease.

Napier stunt disease is much more severe and prevalent in poorly managed fields and during dry
seasons and farmers noted that in well-weeded and heavily manured fields, disease incidence
was reduced by over 40%. From surveys conducted in all parts of Uganda where smallholder dairy
production system is a major enterprise, disease incidence of 10% to 90% were recorded. Disease
incidence was higher (over 40%) in the Lake Victoria Crescent areas because of high number of
stall-fed animals that depend on purchased fodder due to limited land and lowest (less than 10%)
in highland areas such as Mbale and Kabale districts. The disease is spread through movement
of planting materials and fodder.