Effect of forage quality and narasin inclusion on ruminal fermentation, nutrient intake, and total tract digestibility of Nellore steers.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of forage quality and narasin inclusion on intake, digestibility, and ruminal fermentation of Nellore steers. Twenty-eight rumen-cannulated Nellore steers (initial body weight [BW] = 350 ±â€…32.4 kg) were allocated to individual pens in a randomized complete block design, with 7 blocks, defined according to the fasting BW at the beginning of the experiment. The steers were randomly assigned within blocks to 1 of 4 experimental diets in 2 × 2 factorial arrangements, being the first-factor forage quality (MEDIUM = 81 g of CP/kg of dry matter [DM], and HIGH = 153 g of CP/kg of DM), and the second factor was the inclusion (N13 = diet plus 13 mg/kg of DM of narasin) or not (N0) of narasin (Zimprova; Elanco Animal Health, São Paulo, Brazil). The experiment consisted of a 28-d period with 22 d for adaptation and the last 6 d for data collection. No haylage quality × narasin interaction (P ≥ 0.68) was observed on DM and nutrient intake. Haylage quality affected (P ≤ 0.01) DM intake, with greater values observed for steers fed HIGH compared with MEDIUM haylage. There was an increase (P < 0.001) in OM, NDF, hemicellulose, and CP intake for steers consuming HIGH vs. MEDIUM haylage. Including N13 did not affect (P > 0.39) DM and nutrient intake of steers. No haylage quality × narasin interactions were detected (P ≥ 0.60) for total tract nutrient digestibility. However, steers fed with HIGH haylage showed an increase (P > 0.001) in DM and digestibility of all nutrients compared with MEDIUM. Steers fed a MEDIUM haylage had a greater (P < 0.01) proportion of acetate compared with steers fed HIGH during all evaluated hours. Steers fed HIGH haylage had a greater (P < 0.01) proportion of propionate at 0 h compared with steers consuming MEDIUM, whereas at 12 h, steers consuming MEDIUM hay had a greater (P < 0.01) proportion of propionate vs. HIGH haylage. A haylage quality × narasin and haylage quality × time of collection interactions were detected (P ≤ 0.03) for rumen ammonia concentration, which was reduced (P < 0.03) in N13 vs. N0 steers consuming HIGH haylage. Collectively, high-quality haylage allows increased consumption and digestibility, with more energy-efficient ruminal fermentation. In addition, narasin might be an important nutritional tool in forage-based diets to enhance the ruminal fermentation parameters of Bos indicus Nellore steers.

A dataset for pasture parameter estimation based on satellite remote sensing and weather variables.

Estimating pasture parameters is essential for decision-making in the management of livestock and agriculture. Despite that, the time-consuming acquisition of outdoor forage samples and the high cost of laboratory analysis make it infeasible to predict parameters of quality and quantity forage recurrently and with great accuracy. Previous work has shown that multispectral and weather data have correlation with forage parameters, enabling the design of supervised machine learning models to predict forage conditions. Nevertheless, datasets with pasture yield and nutritional parameters, remote sensing and weather information are scarce and rarely available, limiting the design of prediction models. This paper presents a dataset with more than 300 samples of pasture laboratory analyses collected over nearly twelve months from two paddocks. Latitude and longitude coordinates were collected for each sample using GPS coordinates, and this data helped acquire multispectral band signals and eight vegetation index values extracted from Google Earth Engine (Sentinel-2 satellite) for each pixel of each sample. Furthermore, the dataset has weather data from APIs and a meteorological station. These data can also motivate new studies that aim determine pasture behaviour, joining this dataset with larger datasets that have similar information.

Balancing trade-offs: Enhanced carbon assimilation and productivity with reduced nutritional value in a well-watered C4 pasture under a warmer CO2-enriched atmosphere.

The concentration of atmospheric CO2 and temperature are pivotal components of ecosystem productivity, carbon balance, and food security. In this study, we investigated the impacts of a warmer climate (+2 °C above ambient temperature) and an atmosphere enriched with CO2 (600 ppm) on gas exchange, antioxidant enzymatic system, growth, nutritive value, and digestibility of a well-watered, managed pasture of Megathyrsus maximus, a tropical C4 forage grass, under field conditions. Elevated [CO2] (eC) improved photosynthesis and reduced stomatal conductance, resulting in increased water use efficiency and plant C content. Under eC, stem biomass production increased without a corresponding increase in leaf biomass, leading to a smaller leaf/stem ratio. Additionally, eC had negative impacts on forage nutritive value and digestibility. Elevated temperature (eT) increased photosynthetic gains, as well as stem and leaf biomass production. However, it reduced P and K concentration, forage nutritive value, and digestibility. Under the combined conditions of eC and eT (eCeT), eT completely offset the effects of eC on the leaf/stem ratio. However, eT intensified the effects of eC on photosynthesis, leaf C concentration, biomass accumulation, and nutritive value. This resulted in a forage with 12% more acid detergent fiber content and 28% more lignin. Additionally, there was a decrease of 19% in crude protein leading to a 15% decrease in forage digestibility. These changes could potentially affect animal feeding efficiency and feedback climate change, as ruminants may experience an amplification in methane emissions. Our results highlight the critical significance of conducting multifactorial field studies when evaluating plant responses to climate change variables.

Effects of leaf and stem maturation on nutritional value in Megathyrsus maximus.

BACKGROUND: Megathyrsus maximus is a forage grass native to Africa but widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world where it is part of the grazing food chain. This study aimed to evaluate five M. maximus genotypes for the effect of maturity on their morpho-agronomic traits, nutritional composition and digestibility, and to correlate their leaf blade and stem anatomy with their nutritional value. RESULTS: The proportion of sclerenchyma tissues increased as maturity was reached, while lignin accumulation was differentiated between genotypes. Gatton Panic, Green Panic and Mutale genotypes maintained their acid detergent lignin (ADL) values for leaf blades in the three cuts evaluated. In sacco ruminal dry matter disappearance was lower in Green Panic genotype at the vegetative stage for stems, but not for leaf blades. Significant positive correlations were found between dry matter disappearance and mesophyll tissues, and the latter were negatively correlated with neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and ADL. CONCLUSION: Our results strongly indicate that cutting age and genotype affected the nutritional value of M. maximus leaf blades and stems, with a more pronounced loss of quality in stems than in leaf blades. We recommend increasing the frequency of grazing at early stage or anticipating the stage of stem elongation in Green Panic to produce forage with better nutritional value. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Sugar content variation in elephant grass germplasm / Variação do teor de açúcar em germoplasma de capim-elefante

The objective of this study was to estimate sugar content variation (°Brix) in 95 accessions from the elephant grass germplasm active bank of Embrapa Dairy Cattle research center, located in Coronel Pacheco, MG, Brazil. The accessions with the highest sugar content were identified, and the effect of plant age on sugar concentration was evaluated. The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks design with two replications. Sugar content analysis occurred twice during the growth-cycle (at 70 and 100 days) along two points of the stem, one 30 cm from the base and the other at the midpoint. The analysis of variance considered the split plot model, with accessions as main plots and plant age as subplots. The means were compared using the Scott Knott test. While there was sugar content variation between accessions, increased plant age had no significant effect on the sugar content. However, some accessions did have a significant increase or decrease in sugar content as they aged. The highest and lowest mean sugar content was 6.96% (in the accession BAG80) and 4.03% (in the accession BAG13) °Brix, respectively.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a variação do teor de açúcar (°Brix) existente entre 95 acessos do banco ativo de germoplasma de capim-elefante da Embrapa Gado de Leite, localizado no campo experimental de Coronel Pacheco. Foram identificados os acessos com maior teor de açúcar, bem como avaliado o efeito da idade da planta sobre a variação da concentração de açúcar. O experimento foi conduzido em blocos ao acaso com duas repetições, 95 genótipos, duas idades de planta, 70 e 100 dias de crescimento, e análise do teor de açúcar em duas secções amostradas à 30 cm da base e na metade do colmo. A análise de variância considerou modelo de parcela subdividida no tempo, sendo os acessos, as parcelas e a idade da planta as subparcelas. As médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Scott Knott. Observou-se variação no teor de açúcar entre os acessos, porém não foi observado efeito significativo no teor de açúcar devido ao aumento da idade da planta. Entretanto, alguns acessos apresentaram interação significativa com aumento ou redução do teor de açúcar em decorrência do aumento da idade da planta. O acesso de maior média de teor de açúcares entre as duas idades foi BAG80, com 6,96%, e o de menor foi BAG13, com 4,03%.(AU)

Sugar content variation in elephant grass germplasm / Variação do teor de açúcar em germoplasma de capim-elefante

The objective of this study was to estimate sugar content variation (°Brix) in 95 accessions from the elephant grass germplasm active bank of Embrapa Dairy Cattle research center, located in Coronel Pacheco, MG, Brazil. The accessions with the highest sugar content were identified, and the effect of plant age on sugar concentration was evaluated. The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks design with two replications. Sugar content analysis occurred twice during the growth-cycle (at 70 and 100 days) along two points of the stem, one 30 cm from the base and the other at the midpoint. The analysis of variance considered the split plot model, with accessions as main plots and plant age as subplots. The means were compared using the Scott Knott test. While there was sugar content variation between accessions, increased plant age had no significant effect on the sugar content. However, some accessions did have a significant increase or decrease in sugar content as they aged. The highest and lowest mean sugar content was 6.96% (in the accession BAG80) and 4.03% (in the accession BAG13) °Brix, respectively.

O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a variação do teor de açúcar (°Brix) existente entre 95 acessos do banco ativo de germoplasma de capim-elefante da Embrapa Gado de Leite, localizado no campo experimental de Coronel Pacheco. Foram identificados os acessos com maior teor de açúcar, bem como avaliado o efeito da idade da planta sobre a variação da concentração de açúcar. O experimento foi conduzido em blocos ao acaso com duas repetições, 95 genótipos, duas idades de planta, 70 e 100 dias de crescimento, e análise do teor de açúcar em duas secções amostradas à 30 cm da base e na metade do colmo. A análise de variância considerou modelo de parcela subdividida no tempo, sendo os acessos, as parcelas e a idade da planta as subparcelas. As médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Scott Knott. Observou-se variação no teor de açúcar entre os acessos, porém não foi observado efeito significativo no teor de açúcar devido ao aumento da idade da planta. Entretanto, alguns acessos apresentaram interação significativa com aumento ou redução do teor de açúcar em decorrência do aumento da idade da planta. O acesso de maior média de teor de açúcares entre as duas idades foi BAG80, com 6,96%, e o de menor foi BAG13, com 4,03%.

Sugar content variation in elephant grass germplasm / Variação do teor de açúcar em germoplasma de capim-elefante

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to estimate sugar content variation (°Brix) in 95 accessions from the elephant grass germplasm active bank of Embrapa Dairy Cattle research center, located in Coronel Pacheco, MG, Brazil. The accessions with the highest sugar content were identified, and the effect of plant age on sugar concentration was evaluated. The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks design with two replications. Sugar content analysis occurred twice during the growth-cycle (at 70 and 100 days) along two points of the stem, one 30 cm from the base and the other at the midpoint. The analysis of variance considered the split plot model, with accessions as main plots and plant age as subplots. The means were compared using the Scott Knott test. While there was sugar content variation between accessions, increased plant age had no significant effect on the sugar content. However, some accessions did have a significant increase or decrease in sugar content as they aged. The highest and lowest mean sugar content was 6.96% (in the accession BAG80) and 4.03% (in the accession BAG13) °Brix, respectively.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a variação do teor de açúcar (°Brix) existente entre 95 acessos do banco ativo de germoplasma de capim-elefante da Embrapa Gado de Leite, localizado no campo experimental de Coronel Pacheco. Foram identificados os acessos com maior teor de açúcar, bem como avaliado o efeito da idade da planta sobre a variação da concentração de açúcar. O experimento foi conduzido em blocos ao acaso com duas repetições, 95 genótipos, duas idades de planta, 70 e 100 dias de crescimento, e análise do teor de açúcar em duas secções amostradas à 30 cm da base e na metade do colmo. A análise de variância considerou modelo de parcela subdividida no tempo, sendo os acessos, as parcelas e a idade da planta as subparcelas. As médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Scott Knott. Observou-se variação no teor de açúcar entre os acessos, porém não foi observado efeito significativo no teor de açúcar devido ao aumento da idade da planta. Entretanto, alguns acessos apresentaram interação significativa com aumento ou redução do teor de açúcar em decorrência do aumento da idade da planta. O acesso de maior média de teor de açúcares entre as duas idades foi BAG80, com 6,96%, e o de menor foi BAG13, com 4,03%.

A two-location trial for selecting corn silage hybrids for the humid tropic: forage and grain yields and in vitro fermentation characteristics

The goal of our study was to evaluate the nutritional potential of dented corn hybrids for silage production. We performed a two-location trial in which 19 dented corn hybrids and five corn controls grew in four randomized blocks within two experimental areas located in the Northern (Campos dos Goytacazes) and Northwestern (Itaocara) Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. We recorded yields of fresh and dry forage matter and yields of fresh and dry grain matter, as well as chemical composition variables. We interpreted variables by assuming a Normal distribution for yield variables and a Beta distribution for chemical composition and ratios. The SAS GLIMMIX procedure fitted the linear model under those assumptions. Dual-pool models fitted the gas production profiles generated by in vitro anaerobic fermentations. We used the nlme of R software to fit the dual-pool models and the information-theoretic approach to evaluate their quality of fit. We did a cluster analysis (NbClust of R) to group corn hybrids based on fresh and DM yields and kinetic parameters of in vitro gas production. Three clusters of corn hybrids stood out, their basic differences relied on fresh and DM yields. Nonetheless, the least-squares means for gas production characteristics among groups did not present disjoint confidence intervals. Therefore, we can infer that dented corn hybrids rank by forage yield, but not by forage quality, and recommend the most productive ones that consistently outstand in both locations (hybrids UENF-2203, UENF-2192, UENF-2193, and UENF-506-11).

Effects of cutting height managements on yield and composition of different annual pastures / Efeito do manejo sobre a produção e composição de diferentes pastagens anuais

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different pre-cutting and residual heights of Pearl millet, Sudangrass, and Sorghum pastures on yield, morphological and chemical composition. The experimental design was the randomized blocks, with four experimental units per treatment. It was evaluated three species of forage: 1) Pearl millet (MIL; Pennisetum americanum); 2) Sudangrass (SUD; Sorghum sudanense); and 3) Sorghum (SOR; Sorghum bicolor); and two cutting managements: I) 50:20 - cutting height at 50 cm and 20 cm residual height; and II) 85:10 - cutting height at 85 cm and 10 cm residual height. Managements of cutting height affected neither forage yield per cut nor total forage yield. Sudangrass had less cuts than MIL and SOR when submitted to the 50:20 management. The 85:10 management increased stem proportion and leaf to stem ratio, and reduced leaf proportion in comparison with the 50:20 management. The 50:20 management reduced forage contents of fiber and organic matter, and increased forage contents of crude protein and total digestible nutrient. Sorghum exhibited greater nutritive value due to increased leaf proportion. The 50:20 management increased number of cuts and improved nutritive value of forages, regardless of species evaluated in this study.

Este estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos de diferentes alturas pré e pós colheita de milheto, capim-sudão e sorgo forrageiro sobre a produção de forragens e a composição morfológica e bromatológica. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento em blocos casualizados, com quatro unidades experimentais por tratamento. Foram avaliadas três espécies forrageiras: 1) Milheto (MIL; Pennisetum americanum); 2) Capim-Sudão (SUD; Sorghum sudanense); e 3) Sorgo (SOR; Sorghum bicolor); e dois manejos de cortes: I) 50:20: com 50 cm de altura de corte e 20 cm de altura residual; e II) 85:10: com 85 e 10 cm de altura de corte e residual, respectivamente. Foram avaliados a produção, o número de cortes, e a composição morfológica e bromatológica. Não houve diferenças entre as espécies na produção por corte e na produção total, independentemente do manejo de cortes. O SUD apresentou menor número de cortes que MIL e SOR, quando submetido ao manejo 50:20. O manejo 85:10 aumentou a proporção de caule e a razão folha:caule em relação ao manejo 50:20. O manejo 50:20 reduziu os teores de fibra e matéria orgânica, enquanto aumentou os teores de proteína bruta e nutrientes digestíveis totais na forragem. O SOR tem um maior valor nutricional devido à maior proporção de folhas. O manejo 50:20 aumenta o número de cortes e o potencial nutricional, independentemente da espécie forrageira avaliada.

Effects of cutting height managements on yield and composition of different annual pastures / Efeito do manejo sobre a produção e composição de diferentes pastagens anuais

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different pre-cutting and residual heights of Pearl millet, Sudangrass, and Sorghum pastures on yield, morphological and chemical composition. The experimental design was the randomized blocks, with four experimental units per treatment. It was evaluated three species of forage: 1) Pearl millet (MIL; Pennisetum americanum); 2) Sudangrass (SUD; Sorghum sudanense); and 3) Sorghum (SOR; Sorghum bicolor); and two cutting managements: I) 50:20 - cutting height at 50 cm and 20 cm residual height; and II) 85:10 - cutting height at 85 cm and 10 cm residual height. Managements of cutting height affected neither forage yield per cut nor total forage yield. Sudangrass had less cuts than MIL and SOR when submitted to the 50:20 management. The 85:10 management increased stem proportion and leaf to stem ratio, and reduced leaf proportion in comparison with the 50:20 management. The 50:20 management reduced forage contents of fiber and organic matter, and increased forage contents of crude protein and total digestible nutrient. Sorghum exhibited greater nutritive value due to increased leaf proportion. The 50:20 management increased number of cuts and improved nutritive value of forages, regardless of species evaluated in this study.(AU)

Este estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos de diferentes alturas pré e pós colheita de milheto, capim-sudão e sorgo forrageiro sobre a produção de forragens e a composição morfológica e bromatológica. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento em blocos casualizados, com quatro unidades experimentais por tratamento. Foram avaliadas três espécies forrageiras: 1) Milheto (MIL; Pennisetum americanum); 2) Capim-Sudão (SUD; Sorghum sudanense); e 3) Sorgo (SOR; Sorghum bicolor); e dois manejos de cortes: I) 50:20: com 50 cm de altura de corte e 20 cm de altura residual; e II) 85:10: com 85 e 10 cm de altura de corte e residual, respectivamente. Foram avaliados a produção, o número de cortes, e a composição morfológica e bromatológica. Não houve diferenças entre as espécies na produção por corte e na produção total, independentemente do manejo de cortes. O SUD apresentou menor número de cortes que MIL e SOR, quando submetido ao manejo 50:20. O manejo 85:10 aumentou a proporção de caule e a razão folha:caule em relação ao manejo 50:20. O manejo 50:20 reduziu os teores de fibra e matéria orgânica, enquanto aumentou os teores de proteína bruta e nutrientes digestíveis totais na forragem. O SOR tem um maior valor nutricional devido à maior proporção de folhas. O manejo 50:20 aumenta o número de cortes e o potencial nutricional, independentemente da espécie forrageira avaliada.(AU)

Effects of Zinc Sulfate or Propylene Glycol on Intake, Digestibility, and Forage Selection by Grazing Sheep in a Semi-Arid Region During the Rainy Season.

The objective of this study was to determine intake, nutrient availability, and animal selection of major forage species in sheep supplemented with zinc sulfate or propylene glycol in Caatinga-native pastures during the rainy season. Twenty-four mixed Santa Inês sheep, all non-castrated males, with initial weight of 19.3 ± 2.52 kg and 4 ± 0.35 months of age, were distributed in a complete randomized design into three treatments: Control (CT)-concentrate supplemented at 0.7% of body weight; CT + 300 mg of Zn day-1; CT + 2.5 mL of propylene glycol/kg LW0.75·day-1. Measurements were done in four periods during the rainy season, with 28 days of interval between each measurement. Differences were observed in the composition of the ruminal extrusa samples from pastures for crude protein (CP) (192 to 131 g kg-1), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) (537 to 441 g kg-1), and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) (468 to 359 g kg-1) in March and June, respectively. There was no effect for treatments, neither for the treatment x period interaction on organic matter (OM), CP, and fibrous fraction intake (p > 0.05). Organic matter intake (OMI) was, on average 23.9% greater in March compared to June. CP intake decreased monthly (p < 0.05). Fibrous fraction intake was greater in March (p < 0.05), with reductions of 34.8, 33.3, and 39.4% in June, respectively, for neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and cellulose (CEL) fractions. There was no effect of treatments (p > 0.05) on selection of vegetal species present in the pasture. On the other hand, the proportion between ingested species changed over the experimental period. Greater intakes were found in April compared to May, except for Zizyphus joazeiro intake, which was greater in March (p < 0.05). In conclusion, based on the finding of this study, Zn and propylene glycol (PG) supplementation did not improve sheep nutrient intake when grazing Caatinga-native pasture in the rainy season. Caatinga-native pasture biomass has adequate protein and digestible organic matter levels during early rainy season. Over this period, however, the advanced maturity of the plants and the reduced availability of pasture may result in variations of intake by the animals. In the months of April to June, a reduced energy supply is caused by reduced nutritive values of pastures, which contributes to inefficient protein utilization and reduced feed intake.

Evaluación de variables agronómicas, calidad del forraje y contenido de taninos condensados de la leguminosa Lotus corniculatus en respuesta a biofertilizante y fertilización química en condiciones agroecológicas de trópico alto andino colombiano

En la sabana de Bogotá, 2600 m.s.n.m., se analizaron variables agronómicas; altura de planta, número y longitud de ramas, producción de materia seca total ha-1, y variables de calidad del forraje, digestibilidad de materia seca, proteína cruda, extracto etéreo, fibra detergente ácido, fibra detergente neutra, calcio, así como el contenido de taninos condensados de la leguminosa Lotus corniculatus, mediante un diseño completo al azar de cuatro tratamientos aplicados al suelo Tl: sin fertilizante; T2: biofertilizante; T3: fertilización química, y T4: biofertilizante más fertilización química, con tres repeticiones por tratamiento. Se utilizó análisis de varianza (ANOVA) y prueba de comparación de medias de Tukey al 0,1%. Los resultados señalan que el cultivo de L corniculatus, responde muy bien a la biofertilización, ya que el T2 exhibió el mejor comportamiento para la mayoría de variables agronómicas y de calidad del forraje, mientras que T4 mostró los mejores resultados para número de ramas y menos contenido de taninos condensados. En digestibilidad de la materia seca T2 y T4 ostentaron un buen comportamiento con diferencias altamente significativas con respecto a TI y T3; en contenidos de grasa y calcio, el mejor comportamiento se presentó en el T3 y TI con diferencias altamente significativas. Se concluye que la biofertilización incide de manera favorable en las características edáficas, producción y calidad del forraje Lotus corniculatus, con mejores comportamientos en las principales variables evaluadas en el estudio.

In the savannah of Bogotá, 2600 m.s.n.m., were analyzed Agronomic variables; plant height, number and length of branches, total dry matter yield ha-1, and quality variables of forage, dry matter digestibility, raw protein, ethereal extract, Fiber Acid Detergent, Neutral Detergent Fiber calcium, as well as the condensed tannin content of the legume Lotus corniculatus, by means of a complete random design of four treatments applied to the soil Tl: no fertilizer; T2: biofertilizer; T3: chemical fertilization, and T4: biofertilizer with chemical fertilization, with three replicates per treatment. It was used analysis of variance (ANOVA) and comparison test ofTukey averages at 0.1%. The results indicate that the cultivation of L corniculatus responds very well to biofertilization because T2 exhibited the best performance for most changeful agronomic and forage quality while T4 showed the best results for number of branches and less content of condensed tannins. In dry matter digestibility T2 and T4 showed good behavior with highly significant differences with respect to Tl and T3; In fat and calcium contents, the best behavior was presented in T3 and Tl with highly significant differences. It is concluded that biofertilization favorably influences the edaphic characteristics, production and quality of the forage Lotus corniculatus, with better behaviors in the main variables evaluated in the study

Na planície de Bogotá, 2600 m.s.n.m., variáveis agronômicas analisadas; altura das plantas, número e comprimento das ramificações, a produção de matéria seca total ha-1, e digestibilidade qualidade da forragem variável de matéria seca, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo, fibra em detergente ácido, neutro fibra em detergente, de cálcio, e o taninos condensados conteúdo Lotus corniculatus leguminosa de, utilizando um desenho de blocos completos ao acaso, quatro tratamentos aplicados ao solo T1: não fertilizados; T2: biofertilizante; T3: adubação química, e T4: biofertilizantes fertilização mais química, com três réplicas por tratamento. análise de variância (ANOVA) e teste de Tukey comparação foi utilizada a 0,1%. Os resultados indicam que a cultura de L. corniculatus, responde muito bem ao Biofertilização como o T2 exibiu o melhor desempenho para a maioria das características agronômicas e qualidade da forragem, enquanto T4 apresentaram os melhores resultados para número de agências emenor teor de taninos condensados. Na seca T2 de digestibilidade e T4 que ostentava um bom desempenho com diferenças altamente significativas em relação ao T1 e T3; em gordura e teor de cálcio, o melhor desempenho foi apresentado nas diferenças altamente significativas T3 e T1. Conclui-se que Biofertilização favoravelmente impactos sobre as características do solo, produção e qualidade de forragem Lotus corniculatus, com melhores performances nas principais variáveis avaliadas no estudo.

Tifton 85 grass responses to different nitrogen levels and cutting intervals / Características estruturais e composição bromatológica de capim tifton 85 sob doses de nitrogênio e idades de rebrota

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of five levels of N and two regrowth intervals on the structural, productive, and nutritional characteristics of Tifton 85 grass (Cynodon spp). The experiment was conducted in a hay production field at the State University of West Paraná, planted in 2004 with Cynodon spp. cv. Tifton 85. The experiment was established in a randomized block design with factorial treatments of five N fertilization amounts (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg ha-1 cut-1) applied as urea after each cut, and two regrowth intervals (28 and 35 d), with four replicates. N application promoted changes in plant structure, such as increased canopy height, stem length, leaf elongation rate, and dry mass (DM) production. The greatest N use efficiency, considering the four harvests, occurred in the plot with 25 kg N ha-1 cut-1 at the 35-d interval, with a production of 13.79 kg DM kg-1 of N applied. A nutritional analysis indicated that 100 kg ha-1 of N cut-1 promoted higher crude protein (CP) at 28 d, with the highest concentration observed in the fourth cut (208.2 g kg-1 DM) and the lowest in the second cut (140.12 g kg-1 DM). The content average in the four cuts for CP and LIG at 28 days of regrowth was 175.85 and 104.33 kg-1 g MS and at 35 days of regrowth interval was of 164.45 and 118.65 g kg-1 DM, respectively. No differences were found between regrowth in

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a influência de cinco doses de nitrogênio (N) em duas idades de rebrota no capim Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) sobre as características estruturais, produtivas e na composição bromatológica. O experimento foi instalado no campo de produção de feno da UNIOESTE, campus de Marechal Cândido Rondon. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 5x2, sendo cinco doses de nitrogênio (0, 25, 50, 75 e 100 kg ha-1) aplicados em cada corte, aplicadas na forma de uréia, duas idades de rebrota (28 e 35 dias) com quatro repetições e quatro cortes. As doses de nitrogênio promoveram alterações nas características estruturais das plantas, como maior altura do dossel, comprimento de colmo, taxa de alongamento das folhas e produção de MS. A maior eficiência de utilização de N ocorreu na dose de 25 kg N ha-1 corte-1, com 13,79 kg de MS kg-1 de N aplicado na idade de rebrota de 35 dias. Na composição bromatológica a dose de 100 kg N ha-1 corte-1 promoveu maior teor de proteína bruta na idade de 28 dias, sendo que a maior concentração ocorreu no quarto corte (208,2 g kg-1 MS) e a menor no segundo corte (140,12 g kg-1 MS). Os teores médios considerando os quatro cortes de proteína bruta e lignina foram de 175,85 e 104,33 g kg-1 MS aos 28 dias e de 164,45 e 118,65 g kg-1 MS aos 35 dias de intervalo de corte, respectivamente. Não houve diferenç

Productivity and forage quality of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L) R. BR) / Produtividade e qualidade da forragemde trigo-mourisco (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) e de milheto (Pennisetum glaucum (L) R. BR)

This trial compared forage production and quality of Pearl Millet and Buckwheat in three cutting age on irrigation conditions during dry season, evaluated in a randomized block split plot design with tree replications. Was determined content of Dry Matter (DM), Crude Protein (CP), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Mineral Matter (MM) and in vitro gas production. Forage production of Buckwheat was higher than Pearl Millet in all the cutting ages. Pearl Millet CP content was similar to all three cuts but Buckwheat CP content was higher in the first cut and reduced in the others. The NDF content of Buckwheat was higher in the first cut and reduced in the others, meanwhile Pearl Millet presented low NDF value in the first cut but increased in the second and third cut. The Buckwheat presented high ADF content than Pearl Millet in all the cuts. In vitro gas production from Pearl Millet was higher in the first cut but more high for Buckwheat in the second and third cuts. Buckwheat produced more forage with high quality than Pearl Millet during dry season.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho comparar o valor forrageiro do milheto e trigo-mourisco, sob irrigação, em diferentes idades de corte. Utilizouse delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso, com os tratamentos arranjados em modelo de parcelas subdivididas. As plantas foram cultivadas durante a estação seca , sob irrigação e colhidas em três idades de corte, 47, 57 e 67 dias (tratamentos). Foram determinados os teores de matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), matéria mineral e produção de gases in vitro e a produção de matéria seca. A produção do trigo-mourisco (2301, 3144 e 4471 kg MS/ha) foi superior à do milheto (437, 592 e 2224 kg MS/ha) nas três idades de corte. Os teores de PB do milheto foram, em média, 22,3% nas três idades de corte, mas no trigo-mourisco reduziu de 23,8% no primeiro corte, para 14% nos demais cortes. O trigo mourisco apresentou maior teor de FDN no primeiro corte 57,6% contra 52,1% do milheto, entretanto diminuiu no segundo e terceiro cortes, 46,8% e 41,2%, respectivamente, enquanto que no milheto mantiveram-se em 55,1% e 52,7% no segundo e terceiro corte. Os teores de FDA forma mais elevados para o trigo mourisco em comparação com o milheto nas três idades de corte estudadas.

Produtividade e qualidade da forragemde trigo-mourisco (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) e de milheto (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.BR)

SUMMARY This trial compared forage production and quality of Pearl Millet and Buckwheat in three cutting age on irrigation conditions during dry season, evaluated in a randomized block split plot design with tree replications. Was determined content of Dry Matter (DM), Crude Protein (CP), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Mineral Matter (MM) and in vitro gas production. Forage production of Buckwheat was higher than Pearl Millet in all the cutting ages. Pearl Millet CP content was similar to all three cuts but Buckwheat CP content was higher in the first cut and reduced in the others. The NDF content of Buckwheat was higher in the first cut and reduced in the others, meanwhile Pearl Millet presented low NDF value in the first cut but increased in the second and third cut. The Buckwheat presented high ADF content than Pearl Millet in all the cuts. In vitro gas production from Pearl Millet was higher in the first cut but more high for Buckwheat in the second and third cuts. Buckwheat produced more forage with high quality than Pearl Millet during dry season.

RESUMO Objetivou-se com este trabalho comparar o valor forrageiro do milheto e trigo-mourisco, sob irrigação, em diferentes idades de corte. Utilizou-se delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso, com os tratamentos arranjados em modelo de parcelas subdivididas. As plantas foram cultivadas durante a estação seca, sob irrigação e colhidas em três idades de corte, 47, 57 e 67 dias (tratamentos). Foram determinados os teores de matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), matéria mineral e produção de gases in vitro e a produção de matéria seca. A produção do trigo-mourisco (2301, 3144 e 4471 kg MS/ha) foi superior à do milheto (437, 592 e 2224 kg MS/ha) nas três idades de corte. Os teores de PB do milheto foram, em média, 22,3% nas três idades de corte, mas no trigo-mourisco reduziu de 23,8% no primeiro corte, para 14% nos demais cortes. O trigo mourisco apresentou maior teor de FDN no primeiro corte 57,6% contra 52,1% do milheto, entretanto diminuiu no segundo e terceiro cortes, 46,8% e 41,2%, respectivamente, enquanto que no milheto mantiveram-se em 55,1% e 52,7% no segundo e terceiro corte. Os teores de FDA forma mais elevados para o trigo mourisco em comparação com o milheto nas três idades de corte estudadas. A produção de gases foi maior para o trigo mourisco em comparação ao milheto, com exceção do primeiro corte, quando o trigo apresentou maiores taxas de fermentação. O trigo mourisco apresentou qualidade como forrageira, sendo mais produtivo e nutritivo do que o milheto durante o período seco, sob irrigação.

Productivity and forage quality of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L) R. BR) / Produtividade e qualidade da forragemde trigo-mourisco (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) e de milheto (Pennisetum glaucum (L) R. BR)

This trial compared forage production and quality of Pearl Millet and Buckwheat in three cutting age on irrigation conditions during dry season, evaluated in a randomized block split plot design with tree replications. Was determined content of Dry Matter (DM), Crude Protein (CP), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Mineral Matter (MM) and in vitro gas production. Forage production of Buckwheat was higher than Pearl Millet in all the cutting ages. Pearl Millet CP content was similar to all three cuts but Buckwheat CP content was higher in the first cut and reduced in the others. The NDF content of Buckwheat was higher in the first cut and reduced in the others, meanwhile Pearl Millet presented low NDF value in the first cut but increased in the second and third cut. The Buckwheat presented high ADF content than Pearl Millet in all the cuts. In vitro gas production from Pearl Millet was higher in the first cut but more high for Buckwheat in the second and third cuts. Buckwheat produced more forage with high quality than Pearl Millet during dry season.(AU)

Objetivou-se com este trabalho comparar o valor forrageiro do milheto e trigo-mourisco, sob irrigação, em diferentes idades de corte. Utilizouse delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso, com os tratamentos arranjados em modelo de parcelas subdivididas. As plantas foram cultivadas durante a estação seca , sob irrigação e colhidas em três idades de corte, 47, 57 e 67 dias (tratamentos). Foram determinados os teores de matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), matéria mineral e produção de gases in vitro e a produção de matéria seca. A produção do trigo-mourisco (2301, 3144 e 4471 kg MS/ha) foi superior à do milheto (437, 592 e 2224 kg MS/ha) nas três idades de corte. Os teores de PB do milheto foram, em média, 22,3% nas três idades de corte, mas no trigo-mourisco reduziu de 23,8% no primeiro corte, para 14% nos demais cortes. O trigo mourisco apresentou maior teor de FDN no primeiro corte 57,6% contra 52,1% do milheto, entretanto diminuiu no segundo e terceiro cortes, 46,8% e 41,2%, respectivamente, enquanto que no milheto mantiveram-se em 55,1% e 52,7% no segundo e terceiro corte. Os teores de FDA forma mais elevados para o trigo mourisco em comparação com o milheto nas três idades de corte estudadas.(AU)

Tifton 85 grass responses to different nitrogen levels and cutting intervals / Características estruturais e composição bromatológica de capim tifton 85 sob doses de nitrogênio e idades de rebrota

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of five levels of N and two regrowth intervals on the structural, productive, and nutritional characteristics of Tifton 85 grass (Cynodon spp). The experiment was conducted in a hay production field at the State University of West Paraná, planted in 2004 with Cynodon spp. cv. Tifton 85. The experiment was established in a randomized block design with factorial treatments of five N fertilization amounts (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg ha-1 cut-1) applied as urea after each cut, and two regrowth intervals (28 and 35 d), with four replicates. N application promoted changes in plant structure, such as increased canopy height, stem length, leaf elongation rate, and dry mass (DM) production. The greatest N use efficiency, considering the four harvests, occurred in the plot with 25 kg N ha-1 cut-1 at the 35-d interval, with a production of 13.79 kg DM kg-1 of N applied. A nutritional analysis indicated that 100 kg ha-1 of N cut-1 promoted higher crude protein (CP) at 28 d, with the highest concentration observed in the fourth cut (208.2 g kg-1 DM) and the lowest in the second cut (140.12 g kg-1 DM). The content average in the four cuts for CP and LIG at 28 days of regrowth was 175.85 and 104.33 kg-1 g MS and at 35 days of regrowth interval was of 164.45 and 118.65 g kg-1 DM, respectively. No differences were found between regrowth in

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a influência de cinco doses de nitrogênio (N) em duas idades de rebrota no capim Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) sobre as características estruturais, produtivas e na composição bromatológica. O experimento foi instalado no campo de produção de feno da UNIOESTE, campus de Marechal Cândido Rondon. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 5x2, sendo cinco doses de nitrogênio (0, 25, 50, 75 e 100 kg ha-1) aplicados em cada corte, aplicadas na forma de uréia, duas idades de rebrota (28 e 35 dias) com quatro repetições e quatro cortes. As doses de nitrogênio promoveram alterações nas características estruturais das plantas, como maior altura do dossel, comprimento de colmo, taxa de alongamento das folhas e produção de MS. A maior eficiência de utilização de N ocorreu na dose de 25 kg N ha-1 corte-1, com 13,79 kg de MS kg-1 de N aplicado na idade de rebrota de 35 dias. Na composição bromatológica a dose de 100 kg N ha-1 corte-1 promoveu maior teor de proteína bruta na idade de 28 dias, sendo que a maior concentração ocorreu no quarto corte (208,2 g kg-1 MS) e a menor no segundo corte (140,12 g kg-1 MS). Os teores médios considerando os quatro cortes de proteína bruta e lignina foram de 175,85 e 104,33 g kg-1 MS aos 28 dias e de 164,45 e 118,65 g kg-1 MS aos 35 dias de intervalo de corte, respectivamente. Não houve diferenç

Produtividade e qualidade da forragemde trigo-mourisco (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) e de milheto (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.BR)

SUMMARY This trial compared forage production and quality of Pearl Millet and Buckwheat in three cutting age on irrigation conditions during dry season, evaluated in a randomized block split plot design with tree replications. Was determined content of Dry Matter (DM), Crude Protein (CP), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Mineral Matter (MM) and in vitro gas production. Forage production of Buckwheat was higher than Pearl Millet in all the cutting ages. Pearl Millet CP content was similar to all three cuts but Buckwheat CP content was higher in the first cut and reduced in the others. The NDF content of Buckwheat was higher in the first cut and reduced in the others, meanwhile Pearl Millet presented low NDF value in the first cut but increased in the second and third cut. The Buckwheat presented high ADF content than Pearl Millet in all the cuts. In vitro gas production from Pearl Millet was higher in the first cut but more high for Buckwheat in the second and third cuts. Buckwheat produced more forage with high quality than Pearl Millet during dry season.

RESUMO Objetivou-se com este trabalho comparar o valor forrageiro do milheto e trigo-mourisco, sob irrigação, em diferentes idades de corte. Utilizou-se delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso, com os tratamentos arranjados em modelo de parcelas subdivididas. As plantas foram cultivadas durante a estação seca, sob irrigação e colhidas em três idades de corte, 47, 57 e 67 dias (tratamentos). Foram determinados os teores de matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), matéria mineral e produção de gases in vitro e a produção de matéria seca. A produção do trigo-mourisco (2301, 3144 e 4471 kg MS/ha) foi superior à do milheto (437, 592 e 2224 kg MS/ha) nas três idades de corte. Os teores de PB do milheto foram, em média, 22,3% nas três idades de corte, mas no trigo-mourisco reduziu de 23,8% no primeiro corte, para 14% nos demais cortes. O trigo mourisco apresentou maior teor de FDN no primeiro corte 57,6% contra 52,1% do milheto, entretanto diminuiu no segundo e terceiro cortes, 46,8% e 41,2%, respectivamente, enquanto que no milheto mantiveram-se em 55,1% e 52,7% no segundo e terceiro corte. Os teores de FDA forma mais elevados para o trigo mourisco em comparação com o milheto nas três idades de corte estudadas. A produção de gases foi maior para o trigo mourisco em comparação ao milheto, com exceção do primeiro corte, quando o trigo apresentou maiores taxas de fermentação. O trigo mourisco apresentou qualidade como forrageira, sendo mais produtivo e nutritivo do que o milheto durante o período seco, sob irrigação.

Canonical correlations among chemical, physical and morphological characteristics of Xaraés palisadegrass under rotational grazing

In forage evaluation experiments, the assessment of adaptive and productive characteristics of genotypes is generally prioritized over qualitative responses such as nutritive value and voluntary intake. Methods that are capable of characterizing forage quality through the physical resistance to degradation have been proposed, including grinding resistance and shearing resistance. Canonical correlations establish a multivariate approach associating multiple variables depicting inter-relations studies between groups of dependent and independent variables. The objective of this research was to assess the degree of association among groups of quality-related responses of grazed Xaraés palisadegrass forage using canonical correlations among morphological, chemical and physical characteristics of forage samples. Only the first canonical pair was significant in the correlation between the morphological and physical variables. Between morphological and chemical variables, none of the canonical pairs were significant. In the canonical correlation between physical and chemical variables, the only significant canonical pair was the first, where forage with lower shearing resistance of leaves and stems, had higher concentration of crude protein in leaves and whole forage, lower concentration of neutral detergent fiber in leaves and whole forage, and higher digestibility of leaves and stems. The study of canonical correlations allowed to explain the relation between groups of qualitative variables of grazed Xaraés palisadegrass, and is highly significant between morphological and physical variables, and between physical than chemical variables.

Em experimentos de avaliação de forrageiras muitas vezes são priorizadas as análises de adaptação e produtividade e posteriormente parâmetros de valor nutritivo e consumo. Através de estudos para melhor caracterizar a qualidade de forrageiras por meio de sua resistência física foram propostas técnicas tais como a resistência à moagem e a resistência ao cisalhamento. Análise de correlação canônica é uma abordagem estatística sobre múltiplas variáveis que facilita o estudo de inter-relações entre grupos de variáveis dependentes e independentes. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o grau de associação entre grupos de respostas qualitativas da forragem do capim Xaraés sob pastejo utilizando correlações canônicas entre características morfológicas, bromatológicas e físicas de amostras de forragem. Apenas o primeiro par canônico foi significativo na correlação entre variáveis morfológicas e físicas. Na análise de correlação canônica entre variáveis morfológicas e bromatológicas, nenhum dos pares canônicos foi significativo. Na correlação canônica entre variáveis físicas e bromatológicas, apenas o primeiro par foi significativo, onde forragem com menor resistência ao cisalhamento de colmos e folhas, possui maior concentração de proteína bruta (PB) nas folhas e na forragem íntegra, menores concentrações de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) nas folhas e na forragem íntegra e alta digestibilidade de folhas e colmos. O estudo de correlações canônicas permitiu explicar a relação entre grupos de variáveis qualitativas do capim Xaraés sob pastejo, e é significativa entre variáveis morfológicas e físicas, e entre físicas versus bromatológicas.