Steer performance on Panicum maximum (cv. Mombaça) pastures under two grazing intensities

2016 ◽  
Vol 56 (11) ◽  
pp. 1849 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valéria Pacheco Batista Euclides ◽  
Flávia da Conceição Lopes ◽  
Domicio do Nascimento Junior ◽  
Sila Carneiro da Silva ◽  
Gelson dos Santos Difante ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Accumulation Rate ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Herbage Intake ◽  
Grazing Intensities ◽  
Dead Material ◽  
Daily Gain

The objective of this study was to evaluate animal performance in Mombaça guineagrass (Panicum maximum Jacq.) pastures under intermittent grazing associated with two post-grazing heights (30 and 50 cm) and a pre-grazing height of 90 cm. A completely randomised block experimental design was employed, with two treatments and three replicates. The pastures were evaluated pre- and post-grazing grazing, to determine the herbage mass, percentage of leaf, stem and dead material and nutritive value. The stocking rate (expressed in animal unit, AU = 450 kg liveweight) was adjusted twice a week, and the animals were weighed every 28 days. The average grazing frequencies were 33 and 40 days, respectively, for 50 cm and 30 cm of residue pastures to reach the pre-grazing target (90 cm). The forage accumulation rate and pre-grazing herbage mass were similar for pastures with post-grazing heights of 30 and 50 cm. However, 50 cm of residue in the pasture resulted in greater pre-grazing leaf percentage and nutritive value and a lower percentage of dead material than did 30 cm of residue, and, consequently, a greater herbage intake (2.6 and 2.0 kg of dry matter/100 kg liveweight, respectively). The stocking rate was greater in the pastures with 30 cm of residue (6.7 AU/ ha) than in those with 50 cm (5.1 AU/ha). However, the average daily gain was greater for the 50-cm (655 g/steer.day) than for the 30-cm (390 g/steer.day) post-grazing height, resulting in a greater animal production of 1070 versus 635 kg/ha, respectively. Thus, under intermittent grazing, Mombaça guineagrass should be managed using a 50-cm post-grazing height.

scholarly journals Animal performance and sward characteristics of Mombaça guineagrass pastures subjected to two grazing frequencies

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristiane A.F. Alvarenga ◽  
Valéria P.B. Euclides ◽  
Denise B. Montagner ◽  
André F. Sbrissia ◽  
Rodrigo A. Barbosa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Accumulation Rate ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Incident Light ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Animal Performance ◽  
Daily Gain

The aim of this work was to compare grazing management practices of Mombaça guineagrass (Megathyrsus maximus syn. Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça) based on the sward incident light interception (LI) concept. We tested, when the regrowth period in rotationally stocked Mombaça guineagrass ended, if LI (90 or 95%) affected forage accumulation, sward characteristics and animal performance. Both treatments had a common post-grazing canopy height of 50 cm and were replicated 4 times in a randomized complete block design. Pastures were sampled pre- and post-grazing to determine forage mass, morphological composition and forage accumulation rate (FAR). Nutritive value (NV) was estimated in pre-grazing samples. Stocking rate was adjusted twice a week, and animals were weighed every 28 days. Pre-grazing conditions of 90 and 95% LI were reached at pasture heights of approximately 80 and 90 cm, respectively. FAR, sward structure and NV were similar for pastures grazed at 90 and 95% LI. Consequently, stocking rate, average daily gain and liveweight gain/ha were similar for both LI treatments. Data suggest that Mombaça guineagrass can be grazed at pre-grazing heights of 80–90 cm (90–95% LI) without compromising pasture structure and animal performance provided moderate defoliation severity is employed. Further testing of this grazing strategy over longer periods should be carried out with this species as well as other tropical grasses.

scholarly journals 6 Animal performance in grass monoculture or silvopasture systems using tree legumes

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 18-19
Author(s):  
Izabela Aline Gomes da Silva ◽  
Jose Carlos Batista Dubeux ◽  
Alexandre C Leão de Mello ◽  
Márcio Vieira da Cunha ◽  
Mércia Ferreira dos Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Experimental Design ◽  
Accumulation Rate ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Gliricidia Sepium ◽  
Tropical Region ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Animal Performance ◽  
Management Option ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Silvopasture systems (SPS) area management option to enhance delivery of ecosystem services and diversification of income. This study evaluated productive responses of signalgrass (UrochloadecumbensStapf.) in monoculture or in SPS in the sub-humid tropical region of Brazil during six months of the rainy season. The experimental design was randomized complete block with three replications. Treatments were signalgrass + Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. (SPS-Mimosa); signalgrass + Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) (SPS-Gliricidia); and signalgrass monoculture. Cattle were managed under continuous stocking with variable stocking rate. Response variables included herbage mass (HM), herbage accumulation (HA), stocking rate (SR), average daily gain (ADG), and gain per area (GPA). Herbage mass (HM) was greater (P < 0.0001) on signal grass monoculture (2045 kg DM/ha) than in SPS (1370 kg DM/ha, average for both SPS). Herbage accumulation rate was similar for signalgrass in monoculture and SPS-Gliricidia (avg. 61 kg DM ha-1 d-1), and both were greater than SPS-Mimosa (37 kg DM ha-1 d-1). Average daily gain was greater(P < 0.0001) for SPS-Gliricidia (1.1 kg head-1 d-1), followed by signalgrass in monoculture (0.9 kg head-1 d-1), and SPS-Mimosa (0.3 kg head-1 d-1). Stocking rate ranged from 0.6 animal units (1AU = 450-kg animal) per ha in April to 2.2 AUha-1 in June. Stocking rate and animal performance per area were similar for signalgrass in monoculture and SPS-Gliricidia, and both greater than SPS-Mimosa. Gliricidia enhanced animal performance and provided ecosystem services. Mimosa, however, reduced animal performance likely due to the competition with signalgrass. Mimosa trees, however, are an important source of income (timber used for fence posts) and that might overcome the losses in animal performance.

scholarly journals 5 Animal performance in grass monoculture or silvopasture systems using tree legumes

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 27-28
Author(s):  
Izabela Aline Gomes da Silva ◽  
Jose Carlos Batista Dubeux ◽  
Alexandre C Leão de Mello ◽  
Márcio Vieira da Cunha ◽  
Mércia Ferreira dos Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Experimental Design ◽  
Accumulation Rate ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Gliricidia Sepium ◽  
Tropical Region ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Animal Performance ◽  
Management Option ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Silvopasture systems (SPS) area management option to enhance delivery of ecosystem services and diversification of income. This study evaluated productive responses of signalgrass (Urochloadecumbens Stapf.) in monoculture or in SPS in the sub-humid tropical region of Brazil during six months of the rainy season. The experimental design was randomized complete block with three replications. Treatments were signalgrass + Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. (SPS-Mimosa); signalgrass + Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) (SPS-Gliricidia); and signalgrass monoculture. Cattle were managed under continuous stocking with variable stocking rate. Response variables included herbage mass (HM), herbage accumulation (HA), stocking rate (SR), average daily gain (ADG), and gain per area (GPA). Herbage mass (HM) was greater (P < 0.0001) on signal grass monoculture (2045 kg DM/ha) than in SPS (1370 kg DM/ha, average for both SPS). Herbage accumulation rate was similar for signalgrass in monoculture and SPS-Gliricidia (avg. 61 kg DM ha-1 d-1), and both were greater than SPS-Mimosa (37 kg DM ha-1 d-1). Average daily gain was greater(P < 0.0001) for SPS-Gliricidia (1.1 kg head-1 d-1), followed by signalgrass in monoculture (0.9 kg head-1 d-1), and SPS-Mimosa (0.3 kg head-1 d-1). Stocking rate ranged from 0.6 animal units (1AU = 450-kg animal) per ha in April to 2.2 AUha-1 in June. Stocking rate and animal performance per area were similar for signalgrass in monoculture and SPS-Gliricidia, and both greater than SPS-Mimosa. Gliricidia enhanced animal performance and provided ecosystem services. Mimosa, however, reduced animal performance likely due to the competition with signalgrass. Mimosa trees, however, are an important source of income (timber used for fence posts) and that might overcome the losses in animal performance.

scholarly journals Pasture Height of A Tropical Erect Grass Affecting Young Lamb Herbage Intake And Performance

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lívia Raymundo Irigoyen ◽  
Cesar Henrique Espírito Candal Poli ◽  
Gladis Ferreira Corrêa ◽  
Jalise Fabíola Tontini ◽  
Ignacio Fernando López ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
The Body ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Short Treatment ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Herbage Intake ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Tropical erect grass pastures have high forage production potential in subtropical and tropical regions of the world. However, in this kind of pasture, the body weight gain of weaned lambs is usually below of their potential. We determined the effect of pasture height of an erect tropical grass, consequently its structure, on intake and performance of young lambs. The experiment was repeated in two years. Thirty young weaned lambs (4-5 months) were assigned, each year, to three Panicum maximum pasture heights: 1) Tall-75 cm; 2) Medium-50 cm and 3) Short-25 cm. Herbage mass, pasture height, plant morphological composition, pasture nutritional quality, lamb’s average daily gain, gain per hectare and herbage intake were measured. The experiment was installed in a completely randomized design, evaluated in two periods each year. The Short treatment presented, on average and for longer, the highest leaf:stem ratio (1.3 ± 0.23) and average daily gain (91 ± 10 g/day) in relation to the Medium and Tall treatments (68 ± 10 and 40 ± 13 g, respectively). There was a significant interaction between treatment*period for herbage intake. The Tall treatment showed a marked decrease in intake from the first to the second period. The pasture height management interferes in the speed at which the number of stems increases of a tropical erect grass, in relation to leaves. For a better performance of weaned young lambs during summer-autumn period, it is important to manage tropical erect grass pastures at lower height than is generally recommended, lower than 25 cm.

scholarly journals Grazing height targets for Alexandergrass pastures under continuous stocking in integrated crop-livestock system

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
André Brugnara Soares ◽  
Daniel Schmitt ◽  
Francisco Migliorini ◽  
Tangriani Simioni Assmann ◽  
Alceu Luís Assmann
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crop ◽  
Soil Cover ◽  
Accumulation Rate ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Animal Performance ◽  
Leaf Lamina ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Livestock System

ABSTRACT: The aim of this experiment was to identify grazing height targets for Alexandergrass pastures under continuous stocking in integrated crop-livestock system (ICLS). For this purpose, twelve pastures were cultivated into an ICLS area, and maintained at 10, 20, 30, or 40 cm using grazing goats. The following variables were analyzed: leaf and herbage mass, accumulation rate, and allowance; leaf:stem ratio; chemical composition of hand-plucked samples; stocking rate; average daily gain and gain per area. The data were submitted to regression and correlation analysis. Significance was set at 5% (P≤0.05). The main results were: i) herbage and leaf lamina mass increased linearly with grazing height, and pastures maintained at 20 cm already presented the minimum amount recommended for soil cover in ICLS; ii) animal performance achieved an upper asymptotic plateau in pastures maintained around 30-40 cm and it was highly correlated with both grazing height and forage availability (mass and allowance). Alexandergrass pastures under continuous stocking in ICLS should be maintained between 30-40 cm to improve both cover crop biomass and animal performance.

scholarly journals 57 Effects of Diploid and Tetraploid Annual Ryegrass Cultivars on Cattle Performance, Herbage Mass, and Nutritive Value

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 20-20
Author(s):  
Sarah M Montgomery ◽  
Brandi Karisch ◽  
Jane A Parish ◽  
Jesse Morrison ◽  
Brian Baldwin
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Lolium Multiflorum ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Cattle Grazing ◽  
Annual Ryegrass ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Grazing Period ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) can be divided into two cytotypes: diploid (2n = 2x) and tetraploid (2n = 4x). Polyploid versions of a given plant species result in increased seedling vigor, more robust growth and, potentially, greater yield. While most data suggest no difference in yield between diploid and tetraploid cultivars, there is still potential for weight gain advantages thanks to increased non-structural carbohydrates in tetraploid cells. The objectives of this study were to compare weight gain of cattle grazing either diploid or tetraploid cultivars of annual ryegrass. Two diploid annual ryegrass cultivars (Marshall and Tam 90) and two tetraploid cultivars (Jumbo and Nelson) were planted in 0.81-ha pastures, each replicated four times. Four steers (mean initial BW = 214 kg) were randomly assigned to each pasture for an 82-d grazing period. Body weights were recorded starting at d0 then every 28 days throughout the season. Data were analyzed in the GLM procedure of SAS using a significance level of α = 0.05. There were significant differences between cytotypes with respect to seasonal yield with diploids (9547.90 kg/ha) yielding greater than tetraploids (7762.00 kg/ha). As expected, ADF and NDF fractions were significantly less for tetraploids (ADF; 31.39%, NDF; 31.39%) compared to diploids (ADF; 33.75%, NDF; 53.25%). Tetraploids also contained significantly greater crude protein (13.50%) than diploids (12.90%). Cytotype had no effect on final average daily gain (ADG) (P = 0.9427). However, final ADG was significantly impacted by cultivar (P = 0.0134). Final ADG for Tam 90 (1.10 kg/d) was greater than Marshall (0.92 kg/d). Cattle grazing Nelson (1.04 kg/d) and Jumbo (0.99 kg/d) did not differ. Results show that regardless of differences in seasonal yield and nutritive value between cytotypes, there were no advantages in ADG for cattle grazing either cytotype.

Nutritive value of corn, barley, wheat and oats fed with medium quality hay to fattening steers

1992 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 367-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Dion ◽  
J. R. Seoane
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Acid Detergent Fiber ◽  
Finishing Diets ◽  
Fiber Digestibility ◽  
Grass Hay ◽  
Medium Quality ◽  
Daily Gain

Thirty-two large-frame crossbred steers (443 ± 5 kg) were used to determine the nutritive value of cracked corn, rolled barley, rolled oats and rolled wheat in finishing diets for beef cattle fed medium-quality grass hay. Diets contained about 54% grains, 40% grass hay and 6% of a supplement of minerals, vitamins and lasalocid. Total daily dry matter (DM) intake ranged from 9.52 to 10.24 kg, average daily gain from 1.09 to 1.17 kg and gain to feed ratio from 0.113 to 0.121, but these values were not statistically different (P > 0.05). Apparent digestibilities of DM and energy of steers receiving the oats diet were lower than those of steers receiving the wheat diet (P < 0.05), the other diets having intermediate values. Apparent digestion coefficient of protein was higher for the oats diet (P < 0.05) than for other diets. Acid detergent fiber digestibility was higher (P < 0.05) and starch digestibility was lower (P < 0.05) in steers receiving corn than in those receiving barley, oats or wheat. The results indicate that nutritive value of all diets was similar. Key words: Grains, fattening steers, digestibility

PSXIII-15 Impact of forage allowance on performance and reproductive parameters in Nellore heifers

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 467-468
Author(s):  
Igor M Ferreira ◽  
Iorrano A Cidrini ◽  
Karla Oliveira ◽  
Luciana Sousa ◽  
Laura F Prados ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Treatment Effect ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
Carcass Composition ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Treatment Conditions ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the effects of forage allowance on the performance and pregnancy rate of Nellore heifers submitted to the fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) at 14±1 months. The experimental period was divided into the growing phase (GP; 173d) and breeding season (83d). Ninety weaned Nellore heifers [169±19 kg of body weight (BW); 210±28 days of age] were blocked by initial BW and randomly assigned to receive different forage allowance: (1) High (HFA; 7.17 kgDM/kgBW; and (2) Low (LFA; 3.27 kgDM/kgBW); and divided into 6 paddocks (2.15 to 2.4 ha each one). The grazing method used was continuous stocking with a variable stocking rate where treatment conditions were established varying the stocking rate on pasture (put-and-take). The supplement consisted of corn, soybean meal, urea, monensin, sodium chloride and minerals mix (80% TDN and 24% CP) and was provided daily (ad libitum; expected intake around 1% of BW). The final pregnancy rate was determined after two FTAI (d256). Heifers BW at the end of the GP was greater (P &lt; 0.01) for HFA vs. LFA (268 vs. 255 kg). The overall average daily gain (ADG) was greater 68 g/d for animals maintained in HFA than LFA (P &lt; 0.01; 0.713 vs. 0.645 kg/d). Supplement intake (kg/animal/d) had no treatment effect (P = 0.117). On d173, forage allowance affected (P &lt; 0.01) the backfat thickness obtained by real-time carcass ultrasound (HFA = 3.08 vs. LFA = 2.85 mm). The pregnancy rate had no treatment effect (P = 0.223; on average 61%). However, the pregnant heifers per hectare had treatment effect (P = 0.036; HFA = 3.78 vs. LFA = 2.72 pregnant heifers/ha). In conclusion, the low forage allowance reduces the animal performance and affects the carcass composition but provides a greater number of pregnant heifers per hectare.

scholarly journals Animal performance, production, and quality of Tanzania grass fertilized with nitrogen

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 3861 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulysses Cecato ◽  
Josmar Almeida Junior ◽  
Fabíola Cristine de Almeida Rego ◽  
Sandra Galbeiro ◽  
Wagner Paris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Animal Performance ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Daily Gain

This study aimed to assess forage production, animal performance, and the chemical composition of Tanzania grass pasture fertilized with 50, 100, 200, and 400 kg ha-1 of nitrogen. The variables analyzed were: leaf mass, daily accumulation rate, leaf/stem ratio, average daily gain, stocking rate, live weight gain per unit of area crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and in vitro dry matter digestibility of leaves. The pasture management maintained the pasture height at 50 cm by using a continuous grazing method with the adjustment of stocking rate. The experimental design was a randomized block with three replicates. The leaf mass increased linearly in response to nitrogen, with an increase of 1003 kg (34%) observed between a nitrogen content of 50 and 400 kg ha-1. Nitrogen did not affect the average daily gain, but increased the stocking rate and live weight gain ha-1. The value of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber were higher with increased nitrogen levels, whereas the leaf digestibility did not affect nitrogen use. The comparison of 50 and 400 kg ha-1 levels indicated that there was an average increase of 19.2% in the leaf crude protein. The increased application of nitrogen fertilizer in Tanzania grass improved the chemical composition and animal performance; with regard to studied variables, the dose of 200 kg ha-1 resulted in the greatest improvement.

Performance and productivity of Nellore steers on rotationally stocked palisadegrass (Brachiaria brizantha) pastures in response to herbage allowance

2011 ◽  
Vol 149 (6) ◽  
pp. 761-768 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. R. HERLING ◽  
C. G. S. PEDREIRA ◽  
P. H. DE C. LUZ ◽  
G. J. BRAGA ◽  
W. A. MARCHESIN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Individual Animal ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Brachiaria Brizantha ◽  
Sward Height ◽  
Grazing Cattle ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Sward Structure

SUMMARYHerbage allowance (HA) impacts performance of grazing cattle as well as sward structure and herbage yield. The objective of the current study was to compare average daily gain (ADG) of Nellore steers on Marandu palisadegrass (Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst ex A. Rich.) Stapf. cv. Marandu) pastures in response to HA. Treatments were applied as 5, 10, 15 and 20 kg dry matter (DM) per 100 kg live weight (LW) per day HA5, HA10, HA15 and HA20), in rotationally stocked pastures under a 35-day grazing cycle (28 days of rest and 7 days of grazing). The trial was carried out in Pirassununga, Brazil, during two summer seasons in 2003 and 2004, each divided into four grazing cycles. Individual animal (250 kg yearling steers) gain increased with HA up to HA15 (mean=0·69 kg/head per day) during each of four grazing cycles per year. The 2-year gain per area was greater for HA5 and HA10 than for HA15 and HA20 and average stocking rate was 9·6, 6·7, 5·4 and 4·6 head/ha for HA5 to HA20, respectively. In addition to the effects of HA on ADG, changes in sward structure, especially sward height, help to explain variation in daily gain in both years. The HA10 treatment provides higher gain per area without excessively reducing individual animal performance, and thus may be the level of choice for optimizing animal output in pasture-only systems.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document