Validation of a Pampa Corte simulation model for hair sheep production in a tropical silvi-pastoral system in Chiapas, Mexico.

Abstract

Most sheep production systems are based on grazing medium to low quality grasslands, with or without supplements. In tropical areas, the inclusion of legume shrubs and trees like Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) in silvopastoral systems associated with grassland are an alternative to improve their productivity. An efficient way to test the impact of these innovations is by simulation models. Therefore, the objective was to validate the Pampa Corte model developed in Brazil adapted to sheep growth under Mexican conditions to simulate the effect of the inclusion of Leucaena in a silvopastoral system based on Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus cv. Tanzania). Three scenarios were simulated, T1 = 100% Guinea grass, T2= 80% Guinea grass + 20% Leucaena, and T3= 60% Guinea grass and 40% Leucaena on a dry matter basis. Validation of the model was with data from a previous experiment on lamb growth fed a total mixed ration. Evaluation was from lineal regressions of simulated results over observed data. Results showed a coefficient of determination (R 2 ) of 0.94 between observed and estimated figures. The simulation model also showed that as the proportion of Leucaena increases in the silvopastoral system, the daily live weight gain (DWG) also increases. The model provided good results for lamb growth in silvopastoral systems based on Guinea grass with the inclusion of Leucaena and validated with data from feedlot lambs fed a total mixed ration, both for extensive silvopastoral systems with 20% Leucanea as for intensive silvopastoral systems with up to 40% of Leucaena inclusion.

Pampa Corte: Modelo para predição de consumo e desempenho de ruminantes em pastejo

“…A utilização de modelos de simulação permite planejar um sistema de alimentação animal eficiente, através da predição do consumo voluntário e desempenho dos animais em situações e condições específicas (REBOLLO-MORALES et al, 2021). O uso dessa ferramenta visa garantir que as exigências nutricionais sejam atendidas e reduz o tempo e o custo existente em experimentações a campo.…”