Morphometry, productivity and bromatological analisis of purple elephant grass according to nitrogen fertilization

The objective was to evaluate the morphometric, productive and chemical aspects of purple elephant grass as a function of nitrogen fertilization. The treatments consisted of applying 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 kg ha-1 of N, using a randomized block design, with five treatments and four replications. The following were evaluated: plant height, number, length and leaf mass, stem diameter and mass, leaf/stem ratio, production of green and dry mass, support capacity for dairy cows, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and mineral matter. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey's test at 5% probability. The increase in N doses did not affect (p < 0.05) the morphometry of the purple elephant grass, however it positively stimulated the productivity, the animal support capacity and the bromatological components of the harvested material. The lack of response to nitrogen fertilization may be related to the edaphocilimatic conditions during the experiment and efficiency in the use of N of the variety used. The results demonstrate the high demand of the cultivar for N, actively interfering in the forage yield.(AU)

Morphometry, productivity and bromatological analisis of purple elephant grass according to nitrogen fertilization / Morphometry, productivity and bromatological analisis of purple elephant grass according to nitrogen fertilization

The objective was to evaluate the morphometric, productive and chemical aspects of purple elephant grass as a function of nitrogen fertilization. The treatments consisted of applying 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 kg ha-1 of N, using a randomized block design, with five treatments and four replications. The following were evaluated: plant height, number, length and leaf mass, stem diameter and mass, leaf/stem ratio, production of green and dry mass, support capacity for dairy cows, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and mineral matter. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey's test at 5% probability. The increase in N doses did not affect (p < 0.05) the morphometry of the purple elephant grass, however it positively stimulated the productivity, the animal support capacity and the bromatological components of the harvested material. The lack of response to nitrogen fertilization may be related to the edaphocilimatic conditions during the experiment and efficiency in the use of N of the variety used. The results demonstrate the high demand of the cultivar for N, actively interfering in the forage yield.

The objective was to evaluate the morphometric, productive and chemical aspects of purple elephant grass as a function of nitrogen fertilization. The treatments consisted of applying 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 kg ha-1 of N, using a randomized block design, with five treatments and four replications. The following were evaluated: plant height, number, length and leaf mass, stem diameter and mass, leaf/stem ratio, production of green and dry mass, support capacity for dairy cows, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and mineral matter. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey's test at 5% probability. The increase in N doses did not affect (p < 0.05) the morphometry of the purple elephant grass, however it positively stimulated the productivity, the animal support capacity and the bromatological components of the harvested material. The lack of response to nitrogen fertilization may be related to the edaphocilimatic conditions during the experiment and efficiency in the use of N of the variety used. The results demonstrate the high demand of the cultivar for N, actively interfering in the forage yield.

Morphometry, productivity and bromatological analisis of purple elephant grass according to nitrogen fertilization / Morphometry, productivity and bromatological analisis of purple elephant grass according to nitrogen fertilization

The objective was to evaluate the morphometric, productive and chemical aspects of purple elephant grass as a function of nitrogen fertilization. The treatments consisted of applying 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 kg ha-1 of N, using a randomized block design, with five treatments and four replications. The following were evaluated: plant height, number, length and leaf mass, stem diameter and mass, leaf/stem ratio, production of green and dry mass, support capacity for dairy cows, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and mineral matter. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey's test at 5% probability. The increase in N doses did not affect (p < 0.05) the morphometry of the purple elephant grass, however it positively stimulated the productivity, the animal support capacity and the bromatological components of the harvested material. The lack of response to nitrogen fertilization may be related to the edaphocilimatic conditions during the experiment and efficiency in the use of N of the variety used. The results demonstrate the high demand of the cultivar for N, actively interfering in the forage yield.

The objective was to evaluate the morphometric, productive and chemical aspects of purple elephant grass as a function of nitrogen fertilization. The treatments consisted of applying 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 kg ha-1 of N, using a randomized block design, with five treatments and four replications. The following were evaluated: plant height, number, length and leaf mass, stem diameter and mass, leaf/stem ratio, production of green and dry mass, support capacity for dairy cows, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and mineral matter. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey's test at 5% probability. The increase in N doses did not affect (p < 0.05) the morphometry of the purple elephant grass, however it positively stimulated the productivity, the animal support capacity and the bromatological components of the harvested material. The lack of response to nitrogen fertilization may be related to the edaphocilimatic conditions during the experiment and efficiency in the use of N of the variety used. The results demonstrate the high demand of the cultivar for N, actively interfering in the forage yield.

Translocation factor of heavy metals by elephant grass grown with varying concentrations of landfill leachate.

The aim of this study is to obtain the translocation factor by application of landfill leachate (LL) diluted in public irrigation water (IW). Pennisetum purpureum Schum (elephant grass) was cultivated for 83 days in an experimental water reuse unit. The present work was developed at the Experimental Water Reuse Unit (UERA), on the UFERSA campus in Mossoró, RN, Brazil. Plot irrigation was based on water balance and crop evapotranspiration (ETc). The concentration in the plant tissue (root and leaf) of the following heavy metals was measured to determine the respective translocation factors: manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb). The experiment was set up in a randomized block design with five treatments (T1, plots irrigated only with IW; T2, 50% of LL dose plus IW; T3, 100% of LL dose plus IW; T4, 150% of LL dose plus IW; and T5, 200% of LL dose plus IW) and five replications. All treatments received LL plus IW depth of 491.02 mm for 83 days of P. purpureum cultivation. The data obtained were submitted to multivariate analysis plus the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test to compare the means. Pennisetum purpureum showed a potential to accumulate metals in its tissues, mainly Mn, Zn, and Cu. The treatments that most favored the extraction of these metals were T2 and T5; in this sense, P. purpureum was not efficient in translocating heavy metals, since the translocation factor observed in all treatments was below 1.0, indicating that the species used extract heavy metals from soil solution and keeps in yours roots. This suggests planting P. purpureum may not be a viable option to remediate environments highly contaminated with heavy metals.

Mesquite pods as a source of soluble carbohydrates in elephant grass silages / Vagens de algaroba como aditivo energético em silagens de capim elefante

The objective of this study was to evaluate the fermentation parameters and chemical composition of elephant grass silage with inclusion of crushed mesquite pods, at the levels of 8, 16, 24 and 32% as a source of soluble carbohydrates, in addition to a control treatment (no mesquite pod). Fermentation parameters were evaluated for gas losses (GL), effluent losses (EL), dry matter recovery (DMR), pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), and chemical composition related to dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose (HEM), cellulose (CEL), lignin (LIG) and total digestible nutrients (TDN). A quadratic behavior (p<0.05) was found for GL, with a reduction of 45.58% with 32% inclusion. There was a decrease (p<0.05) in EL (59.22%) and NH3-N (38.21%) and an increase in DMR by 17.57% as the mesquite pod meal was added to the silage. As for the chemical composition, the inclusion of mesquite pod meal promoted increments (p<0.05) of 72.28%, 69.58% and 29.80% for the DM, CP and TDN, respectively, and a decrease in NDF (29.92%) and ADF (31.84%) up to the highest level of inclusion of mesquite pod meal (32%). The inclusion of up to 32% mesquite pod meal in elephant grass silage promotes better fermentation stability in the silo, by reducing losses and increasing the DM content of the ensiled mass, which minimizes nutrient leaching. The use of mesquite pod meal as a source of soluble carbohydrates can also improve the silage chemical composition, increasing the content of CP and TDN, and reducing the content of NDF, ADF and Lignin.

Objetivou-se nesta pesquisa avaliar os parâmetros fermentativos e a composição química da silagem de Capim Elefante com adição de 8, 16, 24 ou 32% de vagens de algaroba trituradas, como fonte de carboidratos solúveis, junto ao tratamento controle (sem vagens). Foram avaliados os parâmetros fermentativos quanto às perdas por gases (PG), perdas por efluentes (PE), recuperação de matéria seca (RMS), pH, nitrogênio amoniacal (N-NH3), e a composição química referente aos teores de matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), hemicelulose (HEM), celulose (CEL), lignina (LIG) e nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT). Observou-se comportamento quadrático (p<0,05) para PG, obtendo-se redução de 45,58% nesse parâmetro com 32% de inclusão, em relação ao tratamento controle. Houve decréscimo (p<0,05) nos valores de PE (59,22%) e N-NH3 (38,21%) e acréscimo na RMS de 17,57% conforme a adição das vagens na silagem. Quanto à composição química, a inclusão das vagens promoveu incrementos (p<0,05) de 72,28%, 69,58% e 29,80% para os teores de MS, PB e NDT, respectivamente, e diminuição nos valores de FDN (29,92%) e FDA (31,84%) até o maior de nível de inclusão das vagens (32%). A inclusão de até 32% de vagens de algaroba trituradas em silagem de capim elefante promove melhor estabilidade fermentativa no silo, por redução nas perdas e aumento no teor de MS da massa ensilada, o que minimiza a lixiviação de nutrientes. O uso das vagens como fonte de carboidratos solúveis, também pode melhorar a composição química da silagem, elevando os teores de PB e de NDT, e reduzindo os teores de FDN, FDA e Lignina.

Parâmetros fermentativos e composição química de silagem de capim elefante cv. roxo com adição de vagens de faveira / Fermentative parameters and chemical composition of elephant cv. purple grass silage with added faveira pods

Objetivou-se avaliar os parâmetros fermentativos e a composição química de silagens de capim elefante com adição de vagens de faveira. As vagens foram adicionadas à forragem nos níveis 8, 16 e 24% com base no peso verde, junto a tratamento controle (0%) em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Foram quantificados os valores de pH, perdas por efluentes (PE) e perdas por gases (PG), recuperação de matéria seca (RECMS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e detergente ácido (FDA), lignina (LIG) e nitrogênio insolúvel em detergente ácido (NIDA) e estimaram-se os valores de celulose (CEL) e hemicelulose (HCEL). Verificou-se aumento linear (P<0,05) para PG e redução de 52,23% na produção de efluente quando do tratamento de 24%, com pH mantendo-se no nível ideal (média de 3,76). Quanto à composição química da silagem, observou-se elevação dos teores de MS e PB (6,53%) quando da inclusão das vagens, com menores proporções de FDN (52,99%) e FDA (36,48%). No entanto, os teores de NIDA aumentaram quando da elevação dos níveis de vagens na silagem. As vagens de faveira são indicadas como aditivos, em até 24%, para ensilagem de capim elefante, por melhorar a qualidade da silagem, quanto à fermentação e composição química.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the fermentative parameters and chemical composition of elephant grass silages with the addition of faveira pods. The pods were added to the forage at levels of 8, 16 and 24% on a dry matter (DM) basis, together with the control treatment (0%), in a completely randomized design. The pH, losses through effluent and gas, dry matter recovery, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent (ADF), lignin and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN) were quantified, and cellulose and hemicellulose were estimated. There was a linear increase (P<0.05) in losses through gas and a reduction in effluent production (1.17 kg/ton DM) at 24%, with pH remaining at the ideal level (3.76). Regarding the chemical composition of silage, an increase in DM and CP (6.53%) was observed at the highest levels of pod inclusion, with lower proportions of NDF (52.99%) and ADF (36.48%). However, ADIN levels increased with increasing pod levels in the silage (+ 6.81%). Faveira pods up to 24% are indicated as additives for elephant grass silage, as they improve silage quality, fermentation and chemical composition.

Parâmetros fermentativos e composição química de silagem de capim elefante cv. roxo com adição de vagens de faveira / Fermentative parameters and chemical composition of elephant cv. purple grass silage with added faveira pods

Objetivou-se avaliar os parâmetros fermentativos e a composição química de silagens de capim elefante com adição de vagens de faveira. As vagens foram adicionadas à forragem nos níveis 8, 16 e 24% com base no peso verde, junto a tratamento controle (0%) em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Foram quantificados os valores de pH, perdas por efluentes (PE) e perdas por gases (PG), recuperação de matéria seca (RECMS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e detergente ácido (FDA), lignina (LIG) e nitrogênio insolúvel em detergente ácido (NIDA) e estimaram-se os valores de celulose (CEL) e hemicelulose (HCEL). Verificou-se aumento linear (P<0,05) para PG e redução de 52,23% na produção de efluente quando do tratamento de 24%, com pH mantendo-se no nível ideal (média de 3,76). Quanto à composição química da silagem, observou-se elevação dos teores de MS e PB (6,53%) quando da inclusão das vagens, com menores proporções de FDN (52,99%) e FDA (36,48%). No entanto, os teores de NIDA aumentaram quando da elevação dos níveis de vagens na silagem. As vagens de faveira são indicadas como aditivos, em até 24%, para ensilagem de capim elefante, por melhorar a qualidade da silagem, quanto à fermentação e composição química.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the fermentative parameters and chemical composition of elephant grass silages with the addition of faveira pods. The pods were added to the forage at levels of 8, 16 and 24% on a dry matter (DM) basis, together with the control treatment (0%), in a completely randomized design. The pH, losses through effluent and gas, dry matter recovery, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent (ADF), lignin and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN) were quantified, and cellulose and hemicellulose were estimated. There was a linear increase (P<0.05) in losses through gas and a reduction in effluent production (1.17 kg/ton DM) at 24%, with pH remaining at the ideal level (3.76). Regarding the chemical composition of silage, an increase in DM and CP (6.53%) was observed at the highest levels of pod inclusion, with lower proportions of NDF (52.99%) and ADF (36.48%). However, ADIN levels increased with increasing pod levels in the silage (+ 6.81%). Faveira pods up to 24% are indicated as additives for elephant grass silage, as they improve silage quality, fermentation and chemical composition.(AU)

Fatty acid profile in vertical strata of elephant grass subjected to intermittent stocking

ABSTRACT The milk and meat from animals with a pasture-based diet have higher proportions of CLA and C18:3 and lower omega-6:omega-3 ratios than products from animals with diets based on corn silage and concentrate. However, most of the published studies have evaluated fatty acid profiles in temperate climate grasses and the literature with tropical grasses is scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological and fatty acid compositions in the vertical strata of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) swards subjected to grazing heights (90 or 120 cm pre-grazing heights) and levels of defoliation (50% or 70% removal of the initial pre-grazing height). There were no interactions among pre-grazing height, the level of defoliation and grazing stratum. However, higher proportion of C18:3 (58% and 63%) was found in the 90-cm swards and in the half upper stratum. A higher proportion of C18:3 was associated with a higher leaf proportion and crude protein content. Thus, the upper stratum of sward or a grazing management scheme (e.g. first-last stocking) resulting in a higher proportion of leaves and crude protein both provide higher proportions of C18:3 to animals grazing in elephant grass swards.

Dynamic and nutritive value of forage systems submitted to the conventional and organic production / Dinâmica e valor nutritivo da forragem de sistemas forrageiros submetidos à produção orgânica e convencional

The objective of this research was to evaluate the nutritive value on elephant grass pastures in two production systems. In the conventional system elephant grass was planted in rows 1.2 m apart from each other. In the organic system elephant grass was planted in rows 3 m apart from each other. In the space between alleys, in cool season, annual ryegrass was seeding; allowing the development of spontaneous growing species in the warm season. It was applied 100kg of N/ha with chemical and organic fertilizers (manure of cattle and pig slurry) in the respective pastures. Holstein cows receiving 0.9% of body weight complementary concentrate feed were used. Hand-plucked samples were collected to analyze chemical composition (mineral matter, organic matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber) and digestibility. The experimental design was completely randomized, with two treatments (systems) three replications (paddocks) with repeated measures (seasons). Eight and seven grazing cycles were performed during the experimental period for respective systems. Similar value was found in the chemical composition and digestibility of elephant grass in both pasture systems. The organic as much as conventional pasture systems showed high nutritive value considering the fertilization, management and utilization time.(AU)

Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa, avaliar o valor nutritivo de pastagens de capim elefante submetidas aos sistemas de produção orgânico e convencional. No sistema convencional, o capim elefante foi plantado em linhas afastadas a cada 1,2m. No sistema orgânico, o capim elefante foi plantado em linhas afastadas a cada 3m; no espaço entre as linhas, no período hibernal, foi semeado o azevém anual e, no período estival, permitiu-se o desenvolvimento de espécies de crescimento espontâneo. Foram utilizados 100kg de N/hacom fertilizantes químico e orgânico (esterco de bovino e chorume de suínos) para os respectivos sistemas de produção. O método de pastejo adotado foi o de lotação rotacionada, com tempo de ocupação de um ou dois dias, utilizando vacas em lactação que receberam complementação alimentar com concentrado à razão de 0,9% do peso corporal. Para a determinação da composição química (matéria mineral, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta e fibra em detergente neutro) e digestibilidade da forragem, foram retiradas amostras simulando o pastejo. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado com dois tratamentos (sistemas forrageiros), com três repetições (piquetes) e com medidas repetidas no tempo (estações do ano). Durante o período experimental, foram conduzidos oito e sete pastejos para os respectivos sistemas. Valores similares foram observados quanto à composição química e digestibilidade do capim elefante em ambos os sistemas. Tanto no sistema orgânico quanto no convencional, o valor nutritivo foi elevado, considerando-se a adubação, manejo e tempo de utilização da pastagem.(AU)

Dynamic and nutritive value of forage systems submitted to the conventional and organic production / Dinâmica e valor nutritivo da forragem de sistemas forrageiros submetidos à produção orgânica e convencional

The objective of this research was to evaluate the nutritive value on elephant grass pastures in two production systems. In the conventional system elephant grass was planted in rows 1.2 m apart from each other. In the organic system elephant grass was planted in rows 3 m apart from each other. In the space between alleys, in cool season, annual ryegrass was seeding; allowing the development of spontaneous growing species in the warm season. It was applied 100kg of N/ha with chemical and organic fertilizers (manure of cattle and pig slurry) in the respective pastures. Holstein cows receiving 0.9% of body weight complementary concentrate feed were used. Hand-plucked samples were collected to analyze chemical composition (mineral matter, organic matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber) and digestibility. The experimental design was completely randomized, with two treatments (systems) three replications (paddocks) with repeated measures (seasons). Eight and seven grazing cycles were performed during the experimental period for respective systems. Similar value was found in the chemical composition and digestibility of elephant grass in both pasture systems. The organic as much as conventional pasture systems showed high nutritive value considering the fertilization, management and utilization time.

Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa, avaliar o valor nutritivo de pastagens de capim elefante submetidas aos sistemas de produção orgânico e convencional. No sistema convencional, o capim elefante foi plantado em linhas afastadas a cada 1,2m. No sistema orgânico, o capim elefante foi plantado em linhas afastadas a cada 3m; no espaço entre as linhas, no período hibernal, foi semeado o azevém anual e, no período estival, permitiu-se o desenvolvimento de espécies de crescimento espontâneo. Foram utilizados 100kg de N/hacom fertilizantes químico e orgânico (esterco de bovino e chorume de suínos) para os respectivos sistemas de produção. O método de pastejo adotado foi o de lotação rotacionada, com tempo de ocupação de um ou dois dias, utilizando vacas em lactação que receberam complementação alimentar com concentrado à razão de 0,9% do peso corporal. Para a determinação da composição química (matéria mineral, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta e fibra em detergente neutro) e digestibilidade da forragem, foram retiradas amostras simulando o pastejo. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado com dois tratamentos (sistemas forrageiros), com três repetições (piquetes) e com medidas repetidas no tempo (estações do ano). Durante o período experimental, foram conduzidos oito e sete pastejos para os respectivos sistemas. Valores similares foram observados quanto à composição química e digestibilidade do capim elefante em ambos os sistemas. Tanto no sistema orgânico quanto no convencional, o valor nutritivo foi elevado, considerando-se a adubação, manejo e tempo de utilização da pastagem.

Degradação ruminal da silagem de capim elefante com diferentes componentes de algaroba

The objective was to evaluate the degradability of dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber of elephant grass silage with different components of mesquite. It was used a completely randomized design with twelve treatments and four replications, and silages: 100% elephant grass, elephant grass 70% + 30% bran full mesquite, 70% of elephant grass + 30% pods mesquite, 70% of elephant grass + 30% starch mesquite. The elephant grass was cut to 100 days after sprouting, and ensiled with crushed mesquite components. After 60 days, the silos were opened and samples were collected for pre-drying, grinding and subsequent analysis and incubation. Samples of each silage were incubated in the rumen of three steers Holstein X Gir for periods of 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 hours. For the set of degradation parameters studied, it was observed that the different components of mesquite in the elephant grass silage increased the potential degradability and effectively increases the degradability of dry matter and crude protein. The higher degradability was observed in mesquite starch silage. The mesquite and its components constitute a viable alternative to be added in the elephant grass silage, however, mesquite starch is more efficient.

Objetivou-se avaliar a degradabilidade ruminal da matéria seca, da proteína bruta e da fibra em detergente neutro da silagem de capim elefante com diferentes componentes de algaroba. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com 4 tratamentos e 12 repetições, sendo as silagens: 100% de capim elefante; 70% de capim elefante + 30% de farelo de algaroba integral; 70% de capim elefante + 30% de vagem de algaroba; 70% de capim elefante + 30% de amido de algaroba. O capim elefante foi cortado com 100 dias após a rebrota, triturado e ensilado com os componentes de algaroba. Após 60 dias, os silos foram abertos e as amostras foram coletadas para a pré-secagem, moagem e posteriores análises e incubação. Amostras de cada silagem foram incubadas no rúmen de três novilhos Gir X Holandês, por períodos de 0; 3; 6; 12; 24; 48; 72; 96; 120 e 144 horas. Para o conjunto de parâmetros de degradação estudado, observou-se que os diferentes componentes de algaroba na silagem de capim elefante aumentaram a degradabilidade potencial e efetiva, a degradabilidade ruminal da matéria seca e proteína bruta. A maior degradabilidade foi observada na silagem com amido de algaroba. A algaroba e seus componentes constituem uma alternativa viável a ser adicionada na silagem de capim elefante, contudo, o amido de algaroba é mais eficiente.

Degradation of dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber of elephant grass silages with dehydrated cashew stalk / Degradação da matéria seca, proteína bruta e fibra em detergente neutro de silagens de capim-elefante contendo pedúnculo de caju desidratado

To evaluate the dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in situ degradation of elephant grass silages with five levels (0%; 4%; 8%; 12% and 16%, on a fresh matter basis of the ensiling mass) of dehydrated cashew stalk (DCS), this research was carried out. The design was a split-plot one, consisting the addition levels the plots and the incubation times the sub-plots, with 4 replicates (silos). For the silages making, the elephant grass was cut 70 days-old and mixed to the by-product, in 20 plastic drums (silos). From these silos, samples were taken to dry, grid in a bolter of 5 mm mesh, being used 3 g of samples in each nylon bag , with 50 ?m of porosity for incubation in the rumem for 0, 6, 48 e 96 hours. Two ram without defined breed were used. After the incubation, the bags were taken out from the rumen, washed and oven dried at 60ºC for 72 hours. After, they were weighed and on the residue the chemical analysis were performed.  The inclusion of the DCS in the elephant grass silage increased the potential degradability of DM and NDF of the silages by 12% of the inclusion, with values of 77.60% and 61.96% respectively. The highest potential degradability of CP (84.80%) was observed when it was added 16% of the DCS silage. The effective degradability of DM and NDF increased with the inclusion of DCS, reaching the highest values with 16% for inclus

Objetivou-se avaliar a degradação in situ da matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB) e fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) de silagens de capim-elefante contendo cinco níveis (0%; 4%; 8%; 12% e 16%, com base na matéria natural da massa ensilada) de inclusão do pedúnculo de caju desidratado (PCD). Utilizou-se delineamento em parcelas subdivididas, sendo os níveis de adição as parcelas e os tempos de incubação as subparcelas, com quatro repetições (silos). Para a confecção das silagens, empregou-se capim-elefante cortado aos setenta dias e misturado ao subproduto, em vinte tambores. Desses silos, colheram-se amostras, as quais foram pré-secas, moídas em moinho, com peneira de malha de 5 mm. Colocaram-se três gramas de amostra em cada saco de náilon, de porosidade 50 ?m. Incubaram-se as amostras no rúmen por 0; 6; 48 e 96 horas em dois ovinos sem padrão racial definido, machos. Após a incubação, os sacos foram retirados, lavados em água corrente, colocados em estufa a 60ºC por 72 horas. Posteriormente, pesaram-se os sacos e do resíduo procedeu-se às análises químico-bromatológicas. A inclusão do PCD à ensilagem de capim-elefante aumentou a degradabilidade potencial da MS e da FDN das silagens até 12% de inclusão, com valores de 77,60% e 61,96%, respectivamente. A maior degradabilidade potencial da PB (84,80%) foi observada quando adicionados 16% de PCD à ensilagem. Houve aumento da de

DEGRADATION OF DRY MATTER, CRUDE PROTEIN AND NEUTRAL DETERGENT FIBER OF ELEPHANT GRASS SILAGES WITH DEHYDRATED CASHEW STALK / DEGRADAÇÃO DA MATÉRIA SECA, PROTEÍNA BRUTA E FIBRA EM DETERGENTE NEUTRO DE SILAGENS DE CAPIM-ELEFANTE CONTENDO PEDÚNCULO DE CAJU DESIDRATADO

To evaluate the dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in situ degradation of elephant grass silages with five levels (0%; 4%; 8%; 12% and 16%, on a fresh matter basis of the ensiling mass) of dehydrated cashew stalk (DCS), this research was carried out. The design was a split-plot one, consisting the addition levels the plots and the incubation times the sub-plots, with 4 replicates (silos). For the silages making, the elephant grass was cut 70 days-old and mixed to the by-product, in 20 plastic drums (silos). From these silos, samples were taken to dry, grid in a bolter of 5 mm mesh, being used 3 g of samples in each nylon bag , with 50 ?m of porosity for incubation in the rumem for 0, 6, 48 e 96 hours. Two ram without defined breed were used. After the incubation, the bags were taken out from the rumen, washed and oven dried at 60ºC for 72 hours. After, they were weighed and on the residue the chemical analysis were performed.  The inclusion of the DCS in the elephant grass silage increased the potential degradability of DM and NDF of the silages by 12% of the inclusion, with values of 77.60% and 61.96% respectively. The highest potential degradability of CP (84.80%) was observed when it was added 16% of the DCS silage. The effective degradability of DM and NDF increased with the inclusion of DCS, reaching the highest values with 16% for inclus

Objetivou-se avaliar a degradação in situ da matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB) e fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) de silagens de capim-elefante contendo cinco níveis (0%; 4%; 8%; 12% e 16%, com base na matéria natural da massa ensilada) de inclusão do pedúnculo de caju desidratado (PCD). Utilizou-se delineamento em parcelas subdivididas, sendo os níveis de adição as parcelas e os tempos de incubação as subparcelas, com quatro repetições (silos). Para a confecção das silagens, empregou-se capim-elefante cortado aos setenta dias e misturado ao subproduto, em vinte tambores. Desses silos, colheram-se amostras, as quais foram pré-secas, moídas em moinho, com peneira de malha de 5 mm. Colocaram-se três gramas de amostra em cada saco de náilon, de porosidade 50 ?m. Incubaram-se as amostras no rúmen por 0; 6; 48 e 96 horas em dois ovinos sem padrão racial definido, machos. Após a incubação, os sacos foram retirados, lavados em água corrente, colocados em estufa a 60ºC por 72 horas. Posteriormente, pesaram-se os sacos e do resíduo procedeu-se às análises químico-bromatológicas. A inclusão do PCD à ensilagem de capim-elefante aumentou a degradabilidade potencial da MS e da FDN das silagens até 12% de inclusão, com valores de 77,60% e 61,96%, respectivamente. A maior degradabilidade potencial da PB (84,80%) foi observada quando adicionados 16% de PCD à ensilagem. Houve aumento da de

Degradability of elephant grass Guaçu and Tanzania guinea grass sampled as extrusa and hand-plucked / Degradabilidade do capim-elefante Guaçu e do capim-tanzânia amostrados nas formas de extrusa ou pastejo simulado

The trial was carried through at APTA Regional, Ribeirao Preto, SP, to compare the degradability of dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of elephant grass Guaçu and Tanzania guinea grass sampled from extrusa and hand-plucked. The pasture management was rotational grazing. Five rumen-canulated milked cows were used for thetrial at some different times. The soluble fraction (A), the insoluble fraction potentially degradable (B), degradation rate (Kd) and the effective degradation (ED) was estimated. The statistical analysis was made considering a factorial 2x2 and split plot design (two years). There were interaction between years and grass species and sample way. The Guaçu presented higher (P 0.01) B fraction than Tanzania just for the 1st year (68.26 and 63.90% of DM) but no difference was found on the 2nd year (63.30 and 63.07% of DM). No effect of grass species was found for the other studied variables. The fraction A (% of DM), Kd(%/h) and ED5%/h (% of DM) were 14.01; 14.68; 3.21; 3.28; 40.54 and 39.05 on the 1st year and 18.01; 16.48; 2.81; 2.83; 39.34 and 39.16 on the 2nd year for the Guaçu and Tanzania, respectively. For DM, the extrusa samples presented higher results for all variables except the B fraction, for the two years. The NDF of B fraction was higher (P 0.01) for the Guaçu than Tanzania both years. No difference was found for the other variabl

O experimento foi realizado na APTA Regional, Ribeirão Preto, SP, para comparar a degradabilidade da matéria seca (MS) e da fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) do capim-elefante Guaçu e capim-tanzânia, amostrados na forma de extrusa ou pastejo simulado, sob sistema rotacionado. Cinco vacas em lactação, canuladas no rúmen foram usadas para as incubações, em diferentes tempos. As frações solúvel (A), potencialmente degradável (B), taxa de degradação da fração B (Kd) e a degradabilidade efetiva (DE) foram estimadas. O delineamento utilizado foi esquema fatorial 2 x 2, com repetição no tempo (dois anos). Houve efeito da interação ano e espécie forrageira e ano e forma de amostragem. O Guaçu apresentou maior fração B do que o Tanzânia no 1º ano (68,26 e 63,90% da MS), não havendo diferença no 2º ano (60,30 e 63,07% da MS). As demais variáveis da matéria seca, nos dois anos, não foram influenciadas pela espécie de capim. A fração A (% da MS), Kd (%/h) e a DE 5% (% da MS) foram 14,01; 14,68; 3,21; 3,28; 40,54 e 39,05 no 1º ano e 18,01; 16,48; 2,81; 2,83; 39,34 e 39,16 no 2º ano, para o Guaçu e o tanzânia, respectivamente. A extrusa apresentou resultados superiores para todas as variáveis, da matéria seca, exceto a fração B, nos dois anos. A FDN da fração B foi maior no Guaçu ambos os anos, não havendo diferença para as outras variáveis. Apenas no 2º ano, a extrusa apresentou maior B e ma

Degradability of elephant grass Guaçu and Tanzania guinea grass sampled as extrusa and hand-plucked / Degradabilidade do capim-elefante Guaçu e do capim-tanzânia amostrados nas formas de extrusa ou pastejo simulado

The trial was carried through at APTA Regional, Ribeirao Preto, SP, to compare the degradability of dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of elephant grass Guaçu and Tanzania guinea grass sampled from extrusa and hand-plucked. The pasture management was rotational grazing. Five rumen-canulated milked cows were used for thetrial at some different times. The soluble fraction (A), the insoluble fraction potentially degradable (B), degradation rate (Kd) and the effective degradation (ED) was estimated. The statistical analysis was made considering a factorial 2x2 and split plot design (two years). There were interaction between years and grass species and sample way. The Guaçu presented higher (P 0.01) B fraction than Tanzania just for the 1st year (68.26 and 63.90% of DM) but no difference was found on the 2nd year (63.30 and 63.07% of DM). No effect of grass species was found for the other studied variables. The fraction A (% of DM), Kd(%/h) and ED5%/h (% of DM) were 14.01; 14.68; 3.21; 3.28; 40.54 and 39.05 on the 1st year and 18.01; 16.48; 2.81; 2.83; 39.34 and 39.16 on the 2nd year for the Guaçu and Tanzania, respectively. For DM, the extrusa samples presented higher results for all variables except the B fraction, for the two years. The NDF of B fraction was higher (P 0.01) for the Guaçu than Tanzania both years. No difference was found for the other variabl

O experimento foi realizado na APTA Regional, Ribeirão Preto, SP, para comparar a degradabilidade da matéria seca (MS) e da fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) do capim-elefante Guaçu e capim-tanzânia, amostrados na forma de extrusa ou pastejo simulado, sob sistema rotacionado. Cinco vacas em lactação, canuladas no rúmen foram usadas para as incubações, em diferentes tempos. As frações solúvel (A), potencialmente degradável (B), taxa de degradação da fração B (Kd) e a degradabilidade efetiva (DE) foram estimadas. O delineamento utilizado foi esquema fatorial 2 x 2, com repetição no tempo (dois anos). Houve efeito da interação ano e espécie forrageira e ano e forma de amostragem. O Guaçu apresentou maior fração B do que o Tanzânia no 1º ano (68,26 e 63,90% da MS), não havendo diferença no 2º ano (60,30 e 63,07% da MS). As demais variáveis da matéria seca, nos dois anos, não foram influenciadas pela espécie de capim. A fração A (% da MS), Kd (%/h) e a DE 5% (% da MS) foram 14,01; 14,68; 3,21; 3,28; 40,54 e 39,05 no 1º ano e 18,01; 16,48; 2,81; 2,83; 39,34 e 39,16 no 2º ano, para o Guaçu e o tanzânia, respectivamente. A extrusa apresentou resultados superiores para todas as variáveis, da matéria seca, exceto a fração B, nos dois anos. A FDN da fração B foi maior no Guaçu ambos os anos, não havendo diferença para as outras variáveis. Apenas no 2º ano, a extrusa apresentou maior B e ma

Milk production from crossbred cows in elephant grass and tanzania guinea grass pastures in São Paulo / Produção de leite de vacas mestiças mantidas em pastagens de campi-elefante e capim-tanzânia em São Paulo

The aim of this study was to evaluate some agronomic characteristics of elephant grass cv. Guaçu and tanzania guinea grass, during four grazing cycles, in two consecutive years, and the milk yield of crossbred cows grazing in rotation on the two areas. The grazing method was rotational grazing system. For the 1st and 2nd years, the results for elephant grass were 7,781 and 5,321kg of DM ha-1 of FM pre grazing and 2,658 and 2,730kg of DM ha-1 of residual mass, respectively. Considering the grazing cycles, no difference was observed for FM pre grazing for the 1st year but it was different for the 2nd year. The results for the 1st year were 7,715; 7,678; 8,534 and 7,510kg of DM ha-1 and 2nd year were 6,358; 4,727; 5,548 and 4,133kg of DM ha-1 of pre grazing FM for 1st 2nd 3rd and 4th grazing cycles, respectively. For Tanzania guinea grass, the averages were 5,000 and 5,384kg of DM ha-1 of pre grazing FM and 2,287 and 2,819kg of DM ha-1 of residual mass for the 1st and 2nd years respectively. There was difference for grazing cycles on pre grazing FM in the two studied years. The results for the 1st years were 5,501; 5,825; 5,631 and 4,382kg of DM ha-1 of pre grazing FM and in the 2nd year were 5,411; 6,000; 5,736 e 4,068kg of DM ha-1 of pre grazing FM for 1st 2nd 3rd and 4th grazing cycles, respectively. No difference was observed in daily milk production, and the average per cow w

O objetivo foi avaliar algumas características agronômicas do capim-elefante cv. Guaçu e do capim-tanzânia, em quatro ciclos de pastejo, dois anos consecutivos e as produções de leite de vacas mestiças mantidas nessas duas áreas de pastagem. O método de pastejo utilizado foi o de lotação rotacionada. No primeiro e segundo ano de estudo, os resultados do capim-elefante foram 7.781 e 5.321kg de MS ha-1 de MF no pré-pastejo e 2.658 e 2.730kg de MS ha-1 de resíduo, respectivamente. Considerando-se os ciclos de pastejo, não houve diferença para MF no pré pastejo no primeiro ano, mas houve diferença significativa no segundo ano. Os resultados, no primeiro ano, foram 7.715; 7.678; 8.534 e 7.510kg de MS ha-1 e no segundo ano foram 6.358; 4.727; 5.548 e 4.133kg de MS ha-1 de MF no pré pastejo para o 1º, 2º, 3º e 4º ciclos de pastejo, respectivamente. Para o capim-tanzânia, as médias foram 5.000 e 5.384kg de MS ha-1 de MF no pré-pastejo e 2.287 e 2.819kg de MS ha-1 de resíduo, no primeiro e segundo anos experimental. Houve efeito do ciclo de pastejo, na MF no pré pastejo nos dois anos do estudo. Os resultados, no primeiro ano, foram 5.501; 5.825; 5.631 e 4.382kg de MS ha-1 de MF e no segundo ano foram 5.411; 6.000; 5.736 e 4.068 kg de MS ha-1 de MF, para o 1º, 2º, 3º e 4º ciclos de pastejo, respectivamente. Não houve diferença significativa para produção de leite. As médias diárias foram

Milk production from crossbred cows in elephant grass and tanzania guinea grass pastures in São Paulo / Produção de leite de vacas mestiças mantidas em pastagens de campi-elefante e capim-tanzânia em São Paulo

The aim of this study was to evaluate some agronomic characteristics of elephant grass cv. Guaçu and tanzania guinea grass, during four grazing cycles, in two consecutive years, and the milk yield of crossbred cows grazing in rotation on the two areas. The grazing method was rotational grazing system. For the 1st and 2nd years, the results for elephant grass were 7,781 and 5,321kg of DM ha-1 of FM pre grazing and 2,658 and 2,730kg of DM ha-1 of residual mass, respectively. Considering the grazing cycles, no difference was observed for FM pre grazing for the 1st year but it was different for the 2nd year. The results for the 1st year were 7,715; 7,678; 8,534 and 7,510kg of DM ha-1 and 2nd year were 6,358; 4,727; 5,548 and 4,133kg of DM ha-1 of pre grazing FM for 1st 2nd 3rd and 4th grazing cycles, respectively. For Tanzania guinea grass, the averages were 5,000 and 5,384kg of DM ha-1 of pre grazing FM and 2,287 and 2,819kg of DM ha-1 of residual mass for the 1st and 2nd years respectively. There was difference for grazing cycles on pre grazing FM in the two studied years. The results for the 1st years were 5,501; 5,825; 5,631 and 4,382kg of DM ha-1 of pre grazing FM and in the 2nd year were 5,411; 6,000; 5,736 e 4,068kg of DM ha-1 of pre grazing FM for 1st 2nd 3rd and 4th grazing cycles, respectively. No difference was observed in daily milk production, and the average per cow w

O objetivo foi avaliar algumas características agronômicas do capim-elefante cv. Guaçu e do capim-tanzânia, em quatro ciclos de pastejo, dois anos consecutivos e as produções de leite de vacas mestiças mantidas nessas duas áreas de pastagem. O método de pastejo utilizado foi o de lotação rotacionada. No primeiro e segundo ano de estudo, os resultados do capim-elefante foram 7.781 e 5.321kg de MS ha-1 de MF no pré-pastejo e 2.658 e 2.730kg de MS ha-1 de resíduo, respectivamente. Considerando-se os ciclos de pastejo, não houve diferença para MF no pré pastejo no primeiro ano, mas houve diferença significativa no segundo ano. Os resultados, no primeiro ano, foram 7.715; 7.678; 8.534 e 7.510kg de MS ha-1 e no segundo ano foram 6.358; 4.727; 5.548 e 4.133kg de MS ha-1 de MF no pré pastejo para o 1º, 2º, 3º e 4º ciclos de pastejo, respectivamente. Para o capim-tanzânia, as médias foram 5.000 e 5.384kg de MS ha-1 de MF no pré-pastejo e 2.287 e 2.819kg de MS ha-1 de resíduo, no primeiro e segundo anos experimental. Houve efeito do ciclo de pastejo, na MF no pré pastejo nos dois anos do estudo. Os resultados, no primeiro ano, foram 5.501; 5.825; 5.631 e 4.382kg de MS ha-1 de MF e no segundo ano foram 5.411; 6.000; 5.736 e 4.068 kg de MS ha-1 de MF, para o 1º, 2º, 3º e 4º ciclos de pastejo, respectivamente. Não houve diferença significativa para produção de leite. As médias diárias foram

Genetic divergence among elephantgrass cultivars assessed by RAPD markers in composit samples

Elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) is native to regions of tropical Africa and was introduced in Brazil around 1920 through plantings imported from Cuba. It is currently one of the most widespread forage plants throughout the country. At first, there were two cultivars, Napier and Mercker, with well defined characteristics. New genotypes arose and it is believed that the large number of cultivars existing today in germplasm bank is due to duplicates. DNA markers for cultivar characterization are a very valuable tool, especially in situations where morphological and isoenzymatic markers have already been used as in the case of elephantgrass. Thus RAPD markers were used to estimate the genetic divergence among the Napier group elephantgrass cultivars from the elephantgrass Active Germplasm Bank at EMBRAPA Dairy Cattle. The polymerase chain reaction with 37 arbitrary primers from the OPERON Technologies series supplied 94 polymorphic and 73 monomorphic bands. From the matrix of complement of the Nei index, cluster analysis by the Tocher optimization method formed three clusters. Pearson correlation among genetic distance estimates obtained from the DNA markers and the isoenzymatic markers showed the consistency of both the methods in assessing genetic divergence among elephantgrass cultivars. No duplicates were found in the treatments assessed.

O capim-elefante (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) é nativo de regiões da África Tropical e foi introduzido no Brasil por volta de 1920, por meio de mudas provenientes de Cuba, e é, atualmente, uma das forrageiras mais difundidas em todo o país. No início de sua utilização, existiam praticamente dois cultivares com características bem definidas, Napier e Mercker. Com o decorrer do tempo, surgiram novos genótipos e acredita-se que o grande número de cultivares existentes atualmente no Banco de Germoplasma da espécie se deva à ocorrência de duplicatas. O uso de marcadores de DNA na caracterização de cultivares constitui uma ferramenta de grande valor, principalmente em situações em que marcadores morfológicos e isoenzimáticos já foram empregados, caso do capim-elefante. Em vista disso, objetivou-se estimar a divergência genética entre cultivares de capim-elefante do grupo "Napier" provenientes do Banco Ativo de Germoplasma de capim-elefante da EMBRAPA Gado de Leite, por meio de marcadores RAPD. As reações de polimerase em cadeia com 37 iniciadores arbitrários da série OPERON Technologies proporcionaram 94 bandas polimórficas e 73 monomórficas. Por meio da matriz do complemento do índice de Nei, a análise de agrupamento pelo método de otimização de Tocher indicou a formação de três grupos. Correlação de Pearson entre estimativas de distância genética obtidas a partir dos marcadores de DNA e dos marcadores isoenzimáticos indicaram a consistência de ambos os métodos para a avaliação da divergência genética entre cultivares de capim-elefante. Não foram encontradas duplicatas nos tratamentos avaliados.

Genetic divergence among elephantgrass cultivars assessed by RAPD markers in composit samples

Elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) is native to regions of tropical Africa and was introduced in Brazil around 1920 through plantings imported from Cuba. It is currently one of the most widespread forage plants throughout the country. At first, there were two cultivars, Napier and Mercker, with well defined characteristics. New genotypes arose and it is believed that the large number of cultivars existing today in germplasm bank is due to duplicates. DNA markers for cultivar characterization are a very valuable tool, especially in situations where morphological and isoenzymatic markers have already been used as in the case of elephantgrass. Thus RAPD markers were used to estimate the genetic divergence among the Napier group elephantgrass cultivars from the elephantgrass Active Germplasm Bank at EMBRAPA Dairy Cattle. The polymerase chain reaction with 37 arbitrary primers from the OPERON Technologies series supplied 94 polymorphic and 73 monomorphic bands. From the matrix of complement of the Nei index, cluster analysis by the Tocher optimization method formed three clusters. Pearson correlation among genetic distance estimates obtained from the DNA markers and the isoenzymatic markers showed the consistency of both the methods in assessing genetic divergence among elephantgrass cultivars. No duplicates were found in the treatments assessed.

O capim-elefante (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) é nativo de regiões da África Tropical e foi introduzido no Brasil por volta de 1920, por meio de mudas provenientes de Cuba, e é, atualmente, uma das forrageiras mais difundidas em todo o país. No início de sua utilização, existiam praticamente dois cultivares com características bem definidas, Napier e Mercker. Com o decorrer do tempo, surgiram novos genótipos e acredita-se que o grande número de cultivares existentes atualmente no Banco de Germoplasma da espécie se deva à ocorrência de duplicatas. O uso de marcadores de DNA na caracterização de cultivares constitui uma ferramenta de grande valor, principalmente em situações em que marcadores morfológicos e isoenzimáticos já foram empregados, caso do capim-elefante. Em vista disso, objetivou-se estimar a divergência genética entre cultivares de capim-elefante do grupo "Napier" provenientes do Banco Ativo de Germoplasma de capim-elefante da EMBRAPA Gado de Leite, por meio de marcadores RAPD. As reações de polimerase em cadeia com 37 iniciadores arbitrários da série OPERON Technologies proporcionaram 94 bandas polimórficas e 73 monomórficas. Por meio da matriz do complemento do índice de Nei, a análise de agrupamento pelo método de otimização de Tocher indicou a formação de três grupos. Correlação de Pearson entre estimativas de distância genética obtidas a partir dos marcadores de DNA e dos marcadores isoenzimáticos indicaram a consistência de ambos os métodos para a avaliação da divergência genética entre cultivares de capim-elefante. Não foram encontradas duplicatas nos tratamentos avaliados.

Qualitative and productive aspects of Napier grass postures either fertilized with nitrogen or mixed with tropical legumes to estimate beef production / Avaliação agronômica e qualitativa de pastos de capim elefante napier (pennisetum purpureum schum) fertilizados com nitrogênio ou consorciados com leguminosas tropicais para a produção de carne

In Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) experimental pastures fertilized with four levels of Nitrogen; 0,50, 100 and 150kg/ha and used for beef gain,measures of acessible green dry matter, stand height and hand-plucking samples were taken at 28 days intervals at the same time of animals weighing days. O N pastures were mixed with tropical legumes (centrosema pubescens Benthe, Macroptilium atropurpureum D.C. cv. Siratro e Galactia striata Jacq.). Proximate analysis and in vivo dry matter digestibilities were performed to evaluate forage quality. Among several measures or calculated values, the conclusions were: 1- Acessible Green Dry Matter was significantly affected by Nitrogen level (P 0.01); 2- Stocking rate expressed in kg of liveweight/ha was affected by Acessible Green Dry Matter (R2 = 0.626); 3- Percentage of Crude Protein in hand-plucking samples was not affected either by nitrogen level or by season of the year (the average was 14.5% ± 1.85); 4- Acessible Green Dry Matter/100 kg LW averaged 5.8 kg throughout the experimental periods; 5- Napier grass gave gains above 0.50 ka/day when the pastures height varied between 0.50 to 10m. Combining some of those parameters we could prepare a guide for managing Napier grass pastures for beef production.

Em pastos experimentais de capim elefante Napier (Pennisetum purpureum Schum), fertilizados com níveis crescentes de N (0, 50,100 e 150 kg/ha) para medir produção de carne. foram efetuadas medidas agronômicas e qualitativas, durante dois anos, na tentativa de estabelecer parâmetros comparativos com essa produção. Os pastos com nível de 0 de N eram consorciados com leguminosas tropicais centrosema pubescens Benthe, Macroptilium atropurpureum D.C. cv. Siratro e Galactia striata Jacq.. A cada 28 dias, em coincidência com a pesagem dos animais, ou a cada mudança de piquete eram efetuadas as seguintes medidas: corte com tesoura de área sorteada, para estimar a Matéria Verde Seca Acessível (MVSA), amostra seletiva de toda área pastada, com a mão, para avaliar a qualidade, altura média do pasto por ocasião do corte. A qualidade foi avaliada através de análise aproximada e da digestibilidade in vitro. Da combinação de dados quantitativos e qualitativos, foram obtidos diversos parâmetros que pudessem indicar relações de causa e efeito entre pasto e produção animal. Entre eles destacam-se os seguintes: 1- A MVSA, foi afetada de forma significativa (P 0,01) pelos níveis de N; 2- A lotação expressa em kg de peso vivo/ha foi afetada pela produção de MVSA (R2 = 0,626); 3-A % de Proteína Bruta das Amostras coletadas à mão, não variou de forma significativa entre tratamentos ou entre esta