This study aimed to evaluate performance and behaviour of Nellore steers (Bos taurus indicus) in integrated systems. Treatments consisted of three different systems: livestock; crop-livestock; and livestock-forestry, with triple rows of eucalyptus trees. The experiment was carried out in Sinop, MT, Brazil, in a randomised complete block design with four replicates, during two seasons (dry-rainy transition and rainy). The experimental period was from 19 September 2015 to 10 January 2016. Nellore steers used in the experiment had an average initial weight of 344 kg ± 11 kg, in continuous stocking and variable stocking rate. Forage mass accumulation rate was evaluated and, independently of the system, had the highest values recorded during the rainy season. Microclimate was evaluated through temperature and humidity index, black globe temperature and humidity index and radiant heat load. Highest values were obtained from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the dry-rainy transition period for all systems. Animal behaviour was assessed every 10 min from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and averages were calculated for every 2 h. The longest grazing period was recorded from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and then after 3:00 p.m., regardless of the system. Rumination occurred more frequently from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. during the rainy season, and also in the shade for the livestock-forestry system. Highest weight gains per area were recorded during the rainy season and for the crop-livestock system. It is concluded that the highest yields can be achieved with the inclusion of the crop component in livestock production systems, and that Nellore steers in silvopastoral systems prefer to ruminate and stay idle in the shade.
To meet the global demand for animal protein, sustainable intensification of existing livestock systems may be possible, especially through integration of livestock with crops or forestry. Thus, our objective was to compare forage production and animal performance in grass monoculture and integrated systems in the Brazilian Amazon biome. The four systems were (a) livestock (L) with Marandu palisadegrass {Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R. D. Webster} as monoculture, (b) palisadegrass pastures integrated with eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus urograndis; hybrid of Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden and Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake) arranged in three‐row groves with groves spaced 30 m apart (livestock–forestry; LF), (c) palisadegrass after two years of crops (crop–livestock; CL) and (d) palisadegrass after two years of crops with single rows of eucalyptus trees spaced 37 m apart (crop–livestock–forestry; CLF). From July 2016 to July 2017, all experimental units were continuously stocked using a variable stocking rate. Greater herbage accumulation (HA) occurred in CL and CLF in comparison with L and LF (21,310, 24,050, 19,500 and 18,890 kg DM/ha respectively). The gain per hectare of L, LF and CL (average of 932 kg ha–1) was less than CLF (1,190 kg ha–1). Average daily gain was similar among systems (0.69 kg/day). We conclude that integrated systems can support similar (LF or CL) or greater (CLF) levels of animal production than palisadegrass monocultures while increasing diversity of outputs, thereby providing a greater range of viable systems for livestock production in the Brazilian Amazon biome.
In Brazil, the livestock systems are mainly forage‐based, and nitrogen inputs are an uncommon practice, despite its great benefits. The objective was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen input on the physiological responses of Marandu palisadegrass (Urochloa brizantha [Hochst. ex A. Rich.] R. D. Webster) and Mombaça guineagrass (Megathyrsus maximus [Jacq.] B. K. Simon & S. W. L. Jacobs), and its impacts on the forage accumulation rate (FAR). The experiment was carried out in Sinop, MT, Brazil, in a randomized block design with a 2 × 2 × 5 factorial arrangement (two cultivars: Mombaça and Marandu; unfertilized and fertilized [50 kg N ha−1 cycle−1]; and five seasons: autumn 2015, winter 2015, spring 2015, summer 2015 and autumn 2016) with three replicates. The experimental period was from March 2015 to June 2016, when plots were harvested to mimic intermittent stocking. Fertilized Mombaça presented greater FAR pastures (74.0 kg DM ha−1 day−1) than unfertilized (26.6 kg DM ha−1 day−1) and Marandu fertilized (52.5 kg DM ha−1 day−1), with the greatest values during the summer (147.6 kg DM ha−1 day−1). The greatest leaf (A) and canopy photosynthesis (CP) rates occurred on fertilized pastures during the summer 2015 and autumn 2015. Marandu presented 19% greater A than Mombaça. During the winter, under water stress, Marandu had greater water use efficiency (WUE). However, during the summer 2015 and autumn 16, Mombaça had the greatest WUE (12.76 μmol CO2/mol H2O). In all seasons, Marandu presented the greatest chlorophyll index, which may support the greatest photosynthetic rates. It was concluded that Mombaça was highly responsive to nitrogen input during the rainy season with accumulation over 140 kg DM ha−1 day−1 and is recommended to intensified systems. Marandu had the greatest WUE in the lower precipitation seasons and is an alternative to a year‐round strategy in forage‐based systems.
The diversification of forage grasses is a strategic solution to obtain higher productivity in diverse environments. In this regard, the objective of the present study was to evaluate in a glasshouse study the flooding tolerance of 9 cultivars of forage grasses. The study was conducted using a complete randomized design with a 9 x 3 factorial arrangement: 9 cultivars (Brachiaria brizantha cvv. Marandu, Piatã e Xaraés; hybrid Brachiaria cv. Mulato II; B. humidicola cvv. Llanero and Tupi; B. ruziziensis cv. Common; Panicum maximum cvv. Massai and Tanzânia) and 3 soil water levels: a) minimal water for development (50% of field capacity); b) field capacity; and c) flooded soil (2 cm above soil level), with 3 replicates. Forage accumulation, plant height and root accumulation were evaluated. All cultivars grew well in soil at 50% field capacity highlighting their adaptation to mildly dry conditions. Under flooded conditions, B. humidicola cvv. Llanero and Tupi showed no reduction in forage dry matter production, while shoot growth of cvv. Marandu, Piatã, Tanzânia and Xaraés was significantly reduced (P<0.001) by 71.3, 94.0, 81.2 and 77.2%, respectively. Root mass was reduced about 30% in flooded plants relative to those grown at 50% field capacity. While all cultivars could be used where soil moisture is marginal for production, cvv. Llanero, Tupi and Massai would be most suitable where flooding could occur during the growing season. Field studies are needed to verify these glasshouse findings. ResumenLa diversificación de las gramíneas forrajeras es una solución estratégica para obtener una mayor productividad en ambientes diferentes. En condiciones de invernadero en la Universidad del Estado de Mato Grosso, Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, Brasil, se realizó un estudio con el objetivo de evaluar la tolerancia de 9 cultivares de gramíneas forrajeras tropicales a condiciones de inundación controlada. Los tratamientos se dispusieron en un diseño completamente al azar con arreglo factorial 9 x 3: nueve cultivares (Brachiaria brizantha cvs. Marandu, Piatã y Xaraés; Brachiaria híbrido cv. Mulato II; B. humidicola cvs. Llanero y Tupi; B. ruziziensis cv. Común; y Panicum maximum cvs. Massai y Tanzânia) y 3 niveles de agua en el suelo: a) cantidad de agua considerada como mínima para el crecimiento de las plantas (50% de capacidad de campo); b) suelo a capacidad de campo; y c) suelo inundado con una lámina de 2 cm sobre el nivel del suelo, con 3 repeticiones. Como parámetros se midieron la producción de forraje, la altura de planta y la acumulación de raíces. Todos los cultivares presentaron buen desarrollo cuando el suelo se encontraba a 50% de capacidad de campo, lo cual muestra su adaptación a condiciones ligeramente secas. Bajo condiciones de inundación, B. humidicola cvs. Llanero y Tupi no mostraron reducción en la producción de materia seca de forraje, mientras que el crecimiento de los cvs. Marandu, Piatã, Tanzânia y Xaraés se redujo significativamente (P<0.001) en 71.3, 94.0, 81.2 y 77.2%, respectivamente. En pl...
Maize is an important crop around the world supporting food security, especially in developing countries. The increasing demand for food and renewable energy resources has been supported studies of competitiveness and complementarity interactions between trees, crops, and animals. Thus, the integrated systems should promote a synergic relationship between the components, resulting in greater production of crops, animals, and forestry. Our objective was to describe recent advances on maize production in integrated systems and how recent research can contribute to intensify and/or diversify the production system. The current literature supports the following appointments. The increase in the soil organic carbon in integrated systems improves the physical (density and aggregate stability), chemical (nutrient retention), and biological (greater diversity and microbial mass) properties. Great grain yield and input reduction are possible with the microbial inoculants' use. The inoculants' action is maximized when associated with fertilizers and/or biochar. The biochar acts as a soil conditioner, increasing the water and nutrients retention in the soil, favoring the maize growth. Maize can be grown in the understory (moderate shade), but productivity will be reduced. Thus, we identified the need for research on shading-tolerant genotypes, intercropped management to minimizes competition, quantification of the stratified light profile by a system component (tree, maize, and grass), and more complex and accurate mathematical models to support decisions in the integrated systems arrangements. Understanding these practices would encourage producers to enhance the use of integrated systems.
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