Rhodes Grass for Racing Camels: What to Look For in Sudanese and Pakistani Hay

Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay is the everyday roughage on most camel farms in the UAE. It is a warm-season grass with moderate protein — usually about 7–11% crude protein, depending on the cutting stage and origin — and plenty of fibre, which suits the camel's digestive system and keeps the forestomach working steadily.

Why fibre matters for racing camels

Racing and training camels get much of their energy from concentrates such as barley and feed pellets, but they still need long-stemmed roughage to chew and ruminate. Good grass hay slows the passage of feed, supports saliva production and lowers the risk of the digestive upsets that come with grain-heavy diets. Most trainers build the ration on Rhodes grass and add alfalfa or concentrate according to the workload.

Sudanese or Pakistani Rhodes grass?

Both origins are widely traded in the UAE. Sudanese Rhodes grass from irrigated farms is often softer and leafier; Pakistani Rhodes grass is commonly available in large compressed bales at competitive prices. Quality varies more between lots than between countries, so judge each load rather than the label.

How to check a load

• Colour: green to pale green. Avoid heavily bleached or brown bales.
• Smell: fresh and sweet, never musty or sour.
• Leaf: more leaf and fine stems mean better palatability.
• Dust and mould: open a few bales. White or grey patches, or a cloud of dust, are reasons to reject them.
• Moisture: well-cured hay is dry and crisp. Damp or warm bales spoil and can heat up.
• On large orders, ask for a lab analysis (crude protein, ADF and NDF).

Feeding tips

Change feed gradually over 7–10 days, give clean water at all times, and weigh rations rather than counting bales. For racing animals, ask your vet or a nutritionist to set the exact ration.

You can compare current Rhodes grass offers and prices from UAE sellers on GrazeMarket, or call us on +971 55 150 9625 for bulk supply.