Animal performance and sward characteristics of two cultivars of Brachiaria brizantha (BRS Paiaguás and BRS Piatã)

Abstract

-The objective of the present study was to evaluate live weight gain per animal and per area and its relationship with the characteristics of pastures of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Paiaguás and Piatã. A randomized blocks experimental design was used, with two treatments and six replicates. The experimental area was 8.0 ha, divided into twelve paddocks of 0.67 ha. The grazing method used was continuous stocking, with variable stocking rate. Three tester steers were used per paddock. Sward heights were measured once a week, and the stocking rate (SR) was adjusted using regulator steers to maintain the sward height at 30 cm. Pasture samples were collected once a month, and herbage accumulation rate (HAR), percentage of leaves (PL), leaf:stem ratio (LSR), and nutritive value (NV) were determined. Animals were weighed every 28 days. No differences between the two cultivars were observed during the wet season for any of the evaluated parameters. However, cv. Paiaguás presented higher HAR and, consequently, higher SR than cv. Piatã during the dry season. As a result of its higher regrowth, cv. Paiaguás pastures presented significantly higher PL, LSR, and NV and, consequently, significantly higher average daily live weight gain. These differences resulted in higher live weight gain per area for Paiaguás grass (695 kg/ha per year) than for Piatã grass (645 kg/ha per year). Thus, Brachiaria brizantha cv. Paiaguás is a good alternative to decrease the temporary forage shortage and for the diversification of pastures in the Cerrado biome region.

Grazing intensity affects forage accumulation and persistence of Marandu palisadegrass in the Brazilian savannah

“…The samples were divided into two subsamples: one was used for estimating forage mass, and the other was separated into leaf (leaf blade), stem (sheath and stem) and dead material. Details of sample processing were described by Euclides, Montagner, Barbosa, Valle, and Nantes (). At the same time, the herbage accumulation rate (HAR) was estimated using three exclusion cages (1 m 2 ) for each paddock; details of sampling and calculations have been given by Euclides et al ().…”

“…Details of sample processing were described by Euclides, Montagner, Barbosa, Valle, and Nantes (2016). At the same time, the herbage accumulation rate (HAR) was estimated using three exclusion cages…”

“…(1 m 2 ) for each paddock; details of sampling and calculations have been given by Euclides et al (2016).…”

Soil Physical Quality After Nitrogen Fertilizers Use in Irrigated Pasture of Tifton 85

“…This cattle-raising activity is still predominantly carried out through the adoption of extensive production systems, which are based on pastures as the main food source for animals. Considering this scenario, it is imperative the adoption of measures that promote improves on efficiency of pasture production and managements (MAGALHÃES et al, 2009;EUCLIDES et al, 2016).…”

Association Mapping Considering Allele Dosage: An Example of Forage Traits in an Interspecific Segmental Allotetraploid Urochloa spp. Panel

“…C limate change and the decreasing availability of land for livestock are significant challenges to overcome the increasing demand for animal protein (Tilman and Clark, 2014; Grandin, 2015; Ramankutty et al, 2018; Springmann et al, 2018). In tropical regions, native or cultivated pastures constitute the most cost and environmentally effective form to feed cattle (Euclides et al, 2016; Henchion et al, 2017). However, for better animal performance in pastures, improvements should be made in pasture management, animal genetics, and forage genetics (better quality and adaptation to soils, climate, and pests).…”