The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of cutting age on the production, chemical composition, degradation kinetics and anatomy of Leucena (Leucaena leucocephala). The experimental design was a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement 2x4 (two types of tissues and four cutting ages) for the production data of dry matter and 3x4 (three degrees of degrees of digestion of tissues and four cutting ages). Observed effect (P < 0.05) for the total production of DM of Leucena in function of different ages. The tissue types grain and non-grain showed maximum production at 70 days of age, with production of 2333,00 and 716.60 kg DM ha-1, respectively. The parameters of degradation of DM evaluated decreased significantly with the increase in the maturity of the plant, in the same way the chemical composition presented behavior inherent to the advance of age. The effective degradability DM also decreased with the increase in the rate of passage (2, 5, and 8% h-1). The highest rate of degradation (c) was obtained for 30 days. With the advance in plant maturity increases the proportion of vascular tissue lignificad influencing parameters of ruminal degradation of Leucena. The ages assessed influenced the chemical composition of the Leucena (P < 0.05), where the levels of dry matter, crude protein, acid detergent fiber and lignin and ash showed increasing linear behavior. The cutting age of 70 days offers an optimal point regarding the proportion of anatomical tissues correlated with the degradation and chemical composition of the Leucena.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the performance, animal behavior, and contamination and spread of nematode larvae of sheep supplemented with increasing levels of protein (15, 25, and 35%) on Xaraés grass (Brachiaria brizantha 'Xaraés') pastures. Fifteen Santa Inês crossbred sheep, with an average age of approximately five months and average initial weight of 14.63 kg, were used in the experiment. The feeding behavior (grazing and idle times) of animals was found to be influenced by the supplementation provided. The highest level of supplementation provided to the animals reduced their grazing time. The different levels of supplementation influenced the average daily gain and total final body weight gain of the sheep in Xaraés grass pastures. A significant difference was observed in the presence of parasitic larvae in the Xaraés grass pastures depending on different protein levels throughout the regrowth period. The number of larvae in feces was influenced by the protein content of the supplement, and varied throughout the pasture rest period. Animals showed a decrease in the number of larvae as their dietary crude protein (CP) content was increased. Supplementation with high protein, together with the action of vermifuge, increased the performance of sheep and reduced their parasite load and grazing time in Xaraés grass pastures. Key words: Endoparasites. Larvae. Performance. Sheep. ResumoObjetivou-se avaliar o desempenho, comportamento animal e a contaminação e distribuição de larvas de nematódeos de ovinos suplementados com níveis crescentes de proteína em pasto de capim-Xaraés. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos (níveis de proteína 15, 25 e 35%). Foram utilizados 15 ovinos mestiços da raça Santa Inês, com aproximadamente cinco meses de idade e peso médio inicial de 14,63 kg. As atividades de comportamento ingestivo (tempo de pastejo e ócio) dos animais foram influenciadas pela suplementação fornecida. O maior nível de suplementação fornecido aos animais reduziu o tempo de pastejo. Os diferentes níveis de suplementações fornecida aos animais influenciou o ganho médio diário e o ganho de peso total final corporal, dos ovinos mantidos em pastos de capim-Xaraés. Observou-se influência das suplementações sobre a presença e número de larvas no pasto. Os animais apresentaram redução do número de larvas com o aumento do teor de PB na dieta. A suplementação com alto teor proteico, juntamente com a ação do vermífugo, aumentou o desempenho dos ovinos e reduziu a carga parasitária e o tempo de pastejo dos animais mantidos em capim-Xaraés, contudo, há a necessidade de uma análise econômica, visto que o alto teor de compostos nitrogenados na dieta pode tornar o sistema inviável. Palavras-chave: Capim-Xaraés. Endoparasitos. Larvas. Ovinos.

This study aimed to evaluate the interception of light (%IL), leaf area index (LAI), and the chemical and productive characteristics of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) under different defoliation frequencies (30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 days after cutting). The experimental design was completely randomized with five replications and five treatments (cutting frequencies). The chemical composition was analyzed in a factorial arrangement 2 ×5 (two fractions: leaf and stem, and five defoliation frequencies). The pattern of variation in IL and LAI in function of the frequency of cutting was ascending order. The maximum values of %IL and LAI occurred at 75 and 90 days after cutting with 98.46%; 98.72% (%IL) and 7.08; 8.10 (LAI), respectively. There was no effect of cutting frequency on the total yield of forage, leaf production, generation of stem and dead material, tillers alive, dead tillers and height. Only the leaf/stem ratio was not influenced (P > 0.05) among the factors studied. The frequency of cutting influenced (P < 0.05) the chemical composition, where decreased cutting frequency significantly increased the levels of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, cellulose, and ash in two fractions evaluated (leaf and stem); the crude protein content showed a decline from the moment the frequency of cutting was increased. The LAI, and productive and chemical characteristics of elephant grass were influenced by increased frequency of cutting. Limiting the cutting of the grass to 60 days implies an optimal point of production and quality.Objetivou-se avaliar a interceptação luminosa (%IL), índice de área foliar (IAF), as características produtivas e químicas do capim-elefante (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) sob diferentes frequências de corte (30, 45, 60, 75 e 90 dias após o corte). Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco repetições e cinco tratamentos (frequências de corte). A composição química foi analisada em arranjo fatorial 2x5 (duas frações: folha e colmo e cinco frequências de corte). O padrão de variação da IL e IAF em função das frequências de corte foi de ordem crescente. Os máximos valores de IL e IAF ocorreram aos 75 e 90 dias de corte com 98,46 %; 98,72% (%IL) e 7,08; 8,10 (IAF), respectivamente. Houve efeito das frequências de corte para a produção total de forragem, produção de folhas, produção de colmo, material morto, perfilhos vivos, perfilhos mortos e altura. Apenas a relação folha/colmo não foi influenciada (P > 0,05) pelos fatores estudados. As frequências de corte influenciaram (P < 0,05) a composição química, onde a diminuição da frequência aumentou significativamente os teores de matéria seca, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido, celulose e cinzas nas duas frações avaliadas (folha e colmo), já o teor de proteína bruta apresentou queda a partir do momento que aumentou as frequências de corte. O Índice de área foliar, as características produtivas e químicas do capim-elefante são influenciadas pelo aumento na frequência de corte. O...

The Maranhão floodplain is dominated by native grasses like capim-açú (Paspalum plicatulum, Mich.). Due to scarce information on nutrient demands of native species, farmers are replacing native pastures by exotic and potentially invasive species such as antelope grass (Echinochloa pyramidalis, Lam). The aim of this study was to compare the growth of capim-açú and antelope grass, under varying N and K doses, to better understand the potential of capim-açú to be used as forage. The experiment was carried out in pots, consisting of a 2 × 5 × 2 factorial scheme (2 species × 5 N doses × 2 K doses) with four repetitions, in a completely randomized design. The N doses of 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg dm-3 were combined with 10 and 30 mg dm-3 K2O. The capim-açú produces higher leaf to stem ratio aboveground by using lower nitrogen and potassium doses than antelope grass. Leaf, stalk, and total dry matter production of both studied species do not respond to potassium doses.

This study aimed to evaluate sowing methods of different tropical grasses in integrated production systems on morphogenic and structural characteristics, chemical composition, and corn yield. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design, with a 3 x 3 + 1 factorial arrangement, with three forages: andropogon grass (Andropogon gayanus Kunth cv. Planaltina), massai grass (Megathyrsus maximum cv. Massai) and ruziziensis grass (Urochloa ruziziensis), three ways of sowing intercropped with corn (one row, two rows and broadcast) with four replications and corn in monoculture. Soil preparation, corrective practices and monitoring were carried out as recommended by the species. The results revealed that the sowing methods did not interfere with the interaction for morphogenic and structural characteristics of the grasses. Leaf elongation rate (LER) did not differ among grasses and sowing forms for Andropogon, Massai, and Ruziziensis grasses. There was an interaction effect (P<0.05) for leaf production (LP); the massai grass exhibited higher production compared to other grasses. The spread sowing method produced less leaf availability for the massai grass. There was no effect (P>0.05) of interaction for the variables of the chemical composition of grasses. Maize production was not altered due to the different consortia; however, a much lower value was found when producing corn in monoculture. The average production of intercropped corn was 3420 kg and ha-1, against 1680 kg of single cultivated corn. Massai grass and Ruziziensis grass is an attractive alternative for intercropping with corn in integrated systems