In southern Kyushu, dwarf variety of late-heading type (DL) napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) has utilized for the rotational grazing in 4 months of hot summer period by Japanese-Black (JB) beef cows for 6 years in 2002-2007. The objectives of this study were to investigate the establishment of feeding system of DL napiergrass with Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam., IR) grazed by the standard herd of JB beef cows in breeding beef farmers. Grazing DL napiergrass pasture was established totally at 0.66 ㏊ with 5 paddocks (0.132 ㏊ each) in 2006. Oversowing of IR was imposed into the inter-row of DL napiergrass on December 8, 2007. Grazing for IR and DL napiergrass pastures was carried out in 30 and 71 days, respectively. Daily gain of beef cows for the grazing on DL napiergrass was averaged at 0.23 ㎏ head?¹ day?¹, and carrying capacity was calculated at 891 CD ㏊?¹. The results revealed that DL napiergrass with IR pasture should fit to the rotational grazing with maintaining the liveweight of grazing beef cows for 4.5 months, and it can be proposed for the sustainable and low-cost feeding system to smallholder farmers in this area.

In southern Kyushu, aged beef cow farmers hold limited available land and poor machinery equipment, while demand for herbage production increases rapidly due to high cost of imported herbage supply. Dwarf variety of late-heading type (DL) napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) meets the situation for smallholder farmers, especially in remote islands. The objectives of this study were to investigate adaptability and sustainability of DL napiergrass among 12 sites in southern Kyushu, by determine yield, quality and overwintering ability. The results revealed t㏊t DL napiergrass should adapt to the examined sites including isolated islands at an established year and produce satisfactory yield and quality herbage, if additional fertilizer application covers more t㏊n 10g N m?² year?¹ after establishment.