Evaluation of Yield and Nutritive Value of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) at Various Stages of Maturity

The objective of this study was to evaluate potential yield and chemical composition of kenaf as fodder for ruminants. Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus), variety Khon-Kaen 50, was planted at seed and row spacing of 30 and 50 cm, respectively. The plants were sampled at 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks after planting. The findings revealed that dry matter yield and crude protein yield of 6-12 week-old kenaf were 0.12-2.14 and 0.02-0.14 t/ha, respectively (p<0.05). Crude protein (14.34-6.58%) content of kenaf decreased significantly (p<0.05) as harvesting age advanced. On the other hand, neutral detergent fiber (41.99-48.74%) and acid detergent fiber (27.20-30.57%) of kenaf increased statistically (p<0.05) with maturity advanced. The results indicated that 10 week-old kenaf with DM yield of 0.95 t/ha and contained 10% of CP could be used as fodder for ruminants.