**7. Potential constraints in use of Bana grass**

#### **7.1. Nitrate poisoning**

from the other forms of layering except that roots are induced on the part of the plant while it is still above the ground (air layering). When performing air layering for Bana grass, one node

Bana grass can also be best planted by digging up a clump and then separating the segments with their roots. The separated segment can then be planted at an interrow spacing of 0.5–2 m

Harvesting intervals and technique for Bana depends with intended use. Bana grass can be harvested at intervals of 3–4 months depending on management and climate to pave way for renewed growth when feeding it livestock [1]. This can be done by allowing the animals to graze freely or the common cut-and-carry system. This cut-and-carry system is the best method of harvesting Bana and is normally referred to as the cutting back system. Under dry land or hard to irrigate conditions, Bana is cut back at the end of the rainy season to ground level, and the clumps will shoot up vigorously during the rainy season. It is important to note that under excellent management, harvesting intervals can go up to 6–8 weeks for 5 years [5]. When harvesting Bana under the cut-and-carry system, it is encouraged to leave a stem height of at least 10 cm from the ground to encourage vigorous regrowth. The grass can be fed green or as hay to livestock. When Bana is grown for making fuel, it can be cut every 9–12 months to increase the quantities of fuel obtained. It is important that even under poor management,

Though Bana grass is mainly grown in pure stands, it can be intercropped with legumes and other shrubs such as *Leucaena leucocephala*, and intercropping Bana grass and leguminous improves the nutritional value of DM yield and soil fertility. Legumes such as Leucaena, Desmodium, Sesbania, and Mulberry can be intercropped with Bana. Some authors alluded *that Desmodium intortum* gives the DM content and nutrient value in intercropping regimes

Bana grass has rather low protein content (about 10% DM), but young grass can be very nutritive. For instance, studies in Venezuela revealed that at 30 days of regrowth, protein values ranged from 21% DM but reduced down to less than 4% DM when Bana was cut at 70 days. Bana grass is reported to be rich in fiber, but the fiber content is dependent on stage of maturity. The Neutral Detergent Fiber for Bana ranges from 55 to 75% depending on stage of maturity.

when compared to most legumes such as Sesbania, Leucaena, etc.

**6. Nutritional attributes of Bana grass**

must be under the soil such that roots will develop from the nodes.

and intrarow spacing of 0.3–1 m. The segments will also form clumps.

**4. Harvesting of Bana grass (caring and pruning)**

Bana fares better than most grasses.

150 Forage Groups

**5. Intercropping Bana grass**

When used as a sole component of the diet, Bana grass can cause nitrate poisoning in cattle. In Malaysia, it was reported that some cattle died from nitrate poisoning after they were fed with Bana grass. The levels of nitrate in Bana grass from the toxic area averaged 28.3 mg/g (up to 44 mg in some samples), while the levels of nitrates in Bana grass from nontoxic areas were 3.9 mg/g. When cattle manure was used to fertilize Bana in Brazil, two outbreaks of nitrate poisoning were reported. Some of the notable clinical signs in livestock suffering from nitrate poisoning after consuming Bana grass include uncoordinated gait, extreme salivation, anorexia, discharge from the nose, respiratory distress, grinding of teeth, depression, or abdominal contractions, cyanosis, and finally recumbency. The actual quantities of Bana grass that results in toxicity after ingestion are not yet known.

#### **7.2. Mature leaves**

When Bana leaves reach maturity stage, its leaves will be razor sharp and can occasionally hurt foraging animals**.** This is common in instances where cutting back rate will be low.
