Carbohydrates and protein digestive traits in beef cattle grazing fertilised or mixed tropical pasture.

This study was performed to investigate the nitrogen (N) and carbohydrate digestive traits of grazing heifers. The experiment was carried out at the Federal University of Lavras. The treatments were a Marandu palisadegrass (Urochloa brizantha [Syn, Brachiaria brizantha] Stapf. A. Rich. cv. Marandu) monoculture fertilised with 150 kg N/[ha ∙ year] (FP) or Marandu palisadegrass mixed pasture with forage peanut (MP). The pastures were grazed by six rumen-cannulated zebu heifers. A double cross-over design was used in four periods. Nutritive value, intake and apparent digestibility of forage, ruminal traits and kinetics and N balance were evaluated. Apparent total-tract digestibility of dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) were greater for FP than for MP. There was no effect in apparent total-tract digestibility of N. The estimated intestinal digestibility of nutrients was greater on MP than FP. Even though N intake and faecal N output were greater on MP than FP, there was no effect in urine N output. The N balance tended to be greater on MP than FP. The forage peanut, which contains condensed tannins, decreased ruminal fibre degradation, apparent digestibility and ruminal protein degradation, increased N flow from the rumen. Inclusion of forage peanut in the mixed pasture decreased the ruminal fibre degradability but increased N retention by the animals.

Foliar fertilization at the establishment of marandu, mavuno, mulato and ypyporã grasses

Foliar fertilization with macro and micro minerals for the forage grasses establishment can be a less costly alternative for the farmer, however the possible beneÀ ts of this management technique still need to be better studied. The objective with this work was to evaluate the physiological, productive and structural responses of grasses of the Urochloa genus, depending on the application or not of foliar fertilizer during the plant establishment. Four experiments were carried out, in each of which one of the following forage grasses was evaluated: Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu, Urochloa spp. Mulatto II, Urochloa spp. Mavuno and Urochloa spp. Ipyporã. All the experiments were carried out from November 2018 to March 2019, in a completely randomized design, with four replications. The experimental area of each experiment consisted of four plots with 12.25 m², where half the area of the plots received foliar fertilizer (FH PASTAGEM FOLIAR, with 14% N; 12% P; 12% K; 0.38 % Mg; 10.2% S; 0.24% Cu; 0.18% Mn and 0.63% Zn) and the other half did not. The response variables were evaluated: spad index, leaf area index, canopy light interception, forage production and root density. In all experiments, the foliar fertilizer application during the establishment of Marandu, Mulato II, Mavuno and Ipyporã grasses did not inÁ uence (P>0,05) the spad and leaf area indexes, forage production and root density.(AU)

Agronomic characteristics and radicular diagnosis of tropical Poaceae cultivars by image processing / Características agronômicas e diagnóstico radicular de cultivares tropicais de Poaceae por processamento de imagem

This study aimed to analyze and compare the agronomic characteristics and development of the root system by means of image processing of different cultivars of tropical grasses of the genera Brachiaria and Panicum. The experiment carried out at the experimental station of the Research, Rural extension and land regularization company of Paraiba EMPAER in Alagoinha - PB, in a rainfed agriculture system. In June 2019 to 45 days after sowing, the grasses were cut for aerial part evaluation: biomass composition, forage yield, root system: volume and surface area of the cultivars Mombaça, Tamani, Zuri, Massai, Piatã and Ipyporã. There was a difference between cultivars for all variables analyzed, except for the leaf: stem ratio. The cv. Mombaça was the one that presented the best agronomic and root results, being the one that best adapted the edaphoclimatic conditions of the region, in contrast to Ipyporã was the least expressive for forage yield and water efficiency. These aerial characteristics and their relationship with root diagnosis are of great importance for choosing the cultivar that best suits certain environmental conditions at the time of cultivation.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar e comparar as características agronômicas e o desenvolvimento do sistema radicular por meio do processamento de imagens de diferentes cultivares de gramíneas tropicais dos gêneros Brachiaria e Panicum. O experimento foi realizado na estação experimental da empresa de Pesquisa, Extensão Rural e Regularização Fundiária da Paraíba - EM PAER em Alagoinha - PB, em um sistema de sequeiro. Em junho de 2019 a 45 dias após a semeadura, as gramíneas foram cortadas para avaliação das partes aéreas: composição da biomassa, produção de forragem, sistema radicular: volume e área superficial das cultivares Mombaça, Tamani, Zuri, Massai, Piatã e Ipyporã. Houve diferença entre as cultivares para todas as variáveis analisadas, exceto para a relação folha: caule. O cv. Mombaça foi a que apresentou os melhores resultados agronômicos e radiculares, sendo a que melhor adaptou as condições edafoclimáticas da região, ao contrário de Ipyporã, foi a menos expressiva para rendimento de forragem e eficiência da água. Essas características aéreas e sua relação com o...(AU)

Agronomic characteristics and radicular diagnosis of tropical Poaceae cultivars by image processing / Características agronômicas e diagnóstico radicular de cultivares tropicais de Poaceae por processamento de imagem

This study aimed to analyze and compare the agronomic characteristics and development of the root system by means of image processing of different cultivars of tropical grasses of the genera Brachiaria and Panicum. The experiment carried out at the experimental station of the Research, Rural extension and land regularization company of Paraiba EMPAER in Alagoinha - PB, in a rainfed agriculture system. In June 2019 to 45 days after sowing, the grasses were cut for aerial part evaluation: biomass composition, forage yield, root system: volume and surface area of the cultivars Mombaça, Tamani, Zuri, Massai, Piatã and Ipyporã. There was a difference between cultivars for all variables analyzed, except for the leaf: stem ratio. The cv. Mombaça was the one that presented the best agronomic and root results, being the one that best adapted the edaphoclimatic conditions of the region, in contrast to Ipyporã was the least expressive for forage yield and water efficiency. These aerial characteristics and their relationship with root diagnosis are of great importance for choosing the cultivar that best suits certain environmental conditions at the time of cultivation.

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar e comparar as características agronômicas e o desenvolvimento do sistema radicular por meio do processamento de imagens de diferentes cultivares de gramíneas tropicais dos gêneros Brachiaria e Panicum. O experimento foi realizado na estação experimental da empresa de Pesquisa, Extensão Rural e Regularização Fundiária da Paraíba - EM PAER em Alagoinha - PB, em um sistema de sequeiro. Em junho de 2019 a 45 dias após a semeadura, as gramíneas foram cortadas para avaliação das partes aéreas: composição da biomassa, produção de forragem, sistema radicular: volume e área superficial das cultivares Mombaça, Tamani, Zuri, Massai, Piatã e Ipyporã. Houve diferença entre as cultivares para todas as variáveis analisadas, exceto para a relação folha: caule. O cv. Mombaça foi a que apresentou os melhores resultados agronômicos e radiculares, sendo a que melhor adaptou as condições edafoclimáticas da região, ao contrário de Ipyporã, foi a menos expressiva para rendimento de forragem e eficiência da água. Essas características aéreas e sua relação com o...

Nitrogen requirement of Brachiaria hybrid cv. Ipyporã / Exigência em nitrogênio de Brachiaria hibrida cv. BRS Ipyporã

Ipyporã grass, a Brachiariainterspecific hybrid was developed by crossing a genotype of Brachiaria ruziziensis(syn. Urochloa ruziziensis) and an access of Brachiaria brizantha(syn. Urochloa brizantha), which have different nitrogen requirements. Therefore, the objective with work was to verify the nitrogen requirement of the interspecific hybrid of Brachiaria hybrid cv. Ipyporã. Experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in a randomized block design, with twelve treatments and four replications. Treatments consisted of a 4 x 3 factorial arrangement, with four nitrogen doses (0; 100; 200 and 300 mg/dm³) and three forages (Brachiaria hybrid cv. BRS Ipyporã, Brachiaria humidicolacv. Llanero and Panicum maximum cv. Zuri). Each experimental plot consisted of a 3 dm³ pot with three plants. Three evaluation harvest were done. B. hybrid had greater response to nitrogen fertilization for number of tillers and leaves than the other forages. However, for the total dry mass, B. hybrid was less responsive to nitrogen than P. maximumgrass (high demand) and more responsive than B. humidicola (low demand), which shows that this hybrid has medium nitrogen requirement.(AU)

O capim Ipyporã, um híbrido interespecífico de Brachiaria, foi desenvolvido através do cruzamento de um genótipo de Brachiaria ruziziensis(sin. Urochloa ruziziensis) e um acesso de Brachiaria brizantha(sin. Urochloa brizantha), que possuem diferentes exigências de nitrogênio. O objetivo com este trabalho foi verificar a necessidade de nitrogênio do híbrido interespecífico de Brachiaria hibrida cv. Ipyporã. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com doze tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos corresponderam a um fatorial 4x3, sendo quatro doses de nitrogênio (0, 100, 200 e 300 mg/dm3) e três gramíneas forrageiras (B. hibridacv. BRS Ipyporã, B. humidicola cv. Llanero e Panicum maximum cv. Zuri). Cada parcela experimental foi constituída por vaso de 3 dm³ com três plantas. Foram realizados três cortes de avaliação. A B. hibrida Ipyporã obteve maior resposta à adubação nitrogenada para número de perfilhos e de folhas em relação aos demais capins. Entretanto, para a massa seca total, observou-se que a B. hibrida foi menos responsiva ao nitrogênio que o capim P. maximum(alta exigência) e mais responsivo que B. humidicola (baixa exigência), o que mostra que esse híbrido é uma forrageira com média demanda em nitrogênio.(AU)

Nitrogen requirement of Brachiaria hybrid cv. Ipyporã / Exigência em nitrogênio de Brachiaria hibrida cv. BRS Ipyporã

Ipyporã grass, a Brachiariainterspecific hybrid was developed by crossing a genotype of Brachiaria ruziziensis(syn. Urochloa ruziziensis) and an access of Brachiaria brizantha(syn. Urochloa brizantha), which have different nitrogen requirements. Therefore, the objective with work was to verify the nitrogen requirement of the interspecific hybrid of Brachiaria hybrid cv. Ipyporã. Experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in a randomized block design, with twelve treatments and four replications. Treatments consisted of a 4 x 3 factorial arrangement, with four nitrogen doses (0; 100; 200 and 300 mg/dm³) and three forages (Brachiaria hybrid cv. BRS Ipyporã, Brachiaria humidicolacv. Llanero and Panicum maximum cv. Zuri). Each experimental plot consisted of a 3 dm³ pot with three plants. Three evaluation harvest were done. B. hybrid had greater response to nitrogen fertilization for number of tillers and leaves than the other forages. However, for the total dry mass, B. hybrid was less responsive to nitrogen than P. maximumgrass (high demand) and more responsive than B. humidicola (low demand), which shows that this hybrid has medium nitrogen requirement.

O capim Ipyporã, um híbrido interespecífico de Brachiaria, foi desenvolvido através do cruzamento de um genótipo de Brachiaria ruziziensis(sin. Urochloa ruziziensis) e um acesso de Brachiaria brizantha(sin. Urochloa brizantha), que possuem diferentes exigências de nitrogênio. O objetivo com este trabalho foi verificar a necessidade de nitrogênio do híbrido interespecífico de Brachiaria hibrida cv. Ipyporã. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com doze tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos corresponderam a um fatorial 4x3, sendo quatro doses de nitrogênio (0, 100, 200 e 300 mg/dm3) e três gramíneas forrageiras (B. hibridacv. BRS Ipyporã, B. humidicola cv. Llanero e Panicum maximum cv. Zuri). Cada parcela experimental foi constituída por vaso de 3 dm³ com três plantas. Foram realizados três cortes de avaliação. A B. hibrida Ipyporã obteve maior resposta à adubação nitrogenada para número de perfilhos e de folhas em relação aos demais capins. Entretanto, para a massa seca total, observou-se que a B. hibrida foi menos responsiva ao nitrogênio que o capim P. maximum(alta exigência) e mais responsivo que B. humidicola (baixa exigência), o que mostra que esse híbrido é uma forrageira com média demanda em nitrogênio.

Aluminum-induced toxicity in Urochloa brizantha genotypes: A first glance into root Al-apoplastic and -symplastic compartmentation, Al-translocation and antioxidant performance.

Previous studies have unraveled contrasting Al genotypic differences between Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu (moderately tolerant) and Urochloa brizantha cv. Xaraés (more tolerant). Our objective was to evaluate differences in the response to Al-induced stress between these genotypes, focusing on Al compartmentation in the root apoplast and symplast, and antioxidant enzyme activities after Al exposure. Al-accumulation was 25% higher in the roots of cv. Xaraés than cv. Marandu, while in the shoot Al accumulation was 150% higher in cv. Marandu than cv. Xaraés. U. brizantha cv. Marandu accumulated 73% of the Al absorbed in the root symplast and 27% in the root apoplast, while cv. Xaraés accumulated 61% of the Al absorbed in symplast and 39% in apoplast. Furthermore, Al exposure leaded to physiological and developmental changes in root morphology, such as disorganization of vascular system, the collapse of cortical cells and absence of root hairs from the root tip, with more drastic effects detectable in cv. Marandu. Catalase (CAT) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPOX) activities in the roots of cv. Marandu were lower compared to cv. Xaraés. Our results pointed out that higher Al compartmentalization rates in the root apoplast, altogether with up-regulated metabolic activities of CAT and GPOX and also lower long distance transport of Al are seemingly at the base of the Al tolerance in cv. Xaraés. In conclusion, biochemical analysis of roots suggested that understanding of metabolic pathways is one of pressing approach to elucidate stress tolerance mechanisms in this genus.

Multivariate of forage biomass and nutritive value in pastures of Brachiaria brizantha / Multivariada da biomassa de forragem e valor nutritivo em pastos de Brachiaria brizantha

The hypothesis tested was that pastures of the genus Brachiaria, but with variations in forage canopy architecture (canopy height, leaf area index and tiller population density), would not present oscillations in the variables related to primary production and to nutritive value, under similar soil and climate conditions, and under the same management system. Thus, the present work intends to evaluate the different cultivars of Brachiaria brizantha, observing the dissimilarity of the variables related to forage biomass and nutritive value. The experiment was conducted by Embrapa beef cattle.The design was completely randomized blocks with three replicates. The treatments were three ecotypes of Brachiaria brizantha, B4, BRS Paiaguás and Xaraés. The grazing method used was the intermittent variable stocking rate. The data of forage canopy height (FCH), tiller population density (TPD) and leaf area index (LAI) were submitted to analysis of variance. Estimates of the first and second canonical variables, as well as standardized canonical coefficients were performed. It was noticed oscillations at the FCH between the grasses, in which, pastures of e cotype B4 present the highest height in relation to the other B. brizantha. BRS Paiaguás presents the highest TPD. The standard canonical coefficients of the first canonical variable showed that neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and lignin are the variables that most affect the first canonical variable, positively and negatively. This indicates that these are the variables that most interfere in the differentiation of characteristics related to the nutritive value of B. brizantha grasses. The first canonical variable explains 80.5% of the B. brizantha pasture variation, in addition, it is possible to observe a differentiated distribution among the pastures studied. The B. brizantha pastures present variations in forage canopy architecture, which end up impacted by the canopy lignin concentration.(AU)

A hipótese testada foi que pastagens do gênero Brachiaria, mas com variações na arquitetura do dossel forrageiro (altura do dossel, índice de área foliar e densidade populacional dos perfilhos), não apresentariam oscilações nas variáveis relacionadas à produção primária e valor nutritivo, em condições edofoclimáticas semelhantes, e sob o mesmo sistema de manejo. Assim, o presente trabalho pretende avaliar as diferentes cultivares de Brachiaria brizantha, observando a dissimilaridade das variáveis relacionadas à biomassa e valor nutritivo. O experimento foi conduzido na Embrapa Gado de Corte. O delineamento foi de blocos casualizados, com três repetições. Os tratamentos foram três ecótipos de Brachiaria brizantha, B4, BRS Paiaguás e Xaraés. O método de pastejo utilizado foi o de lotação intermitente com taxa de lotação variada. Os dados de altura do dossel forrageiro (ADF), densidade populacional dos perfilhos (DPP) e índice de área foliar (IAF) foram submetidos à análise de variância. As estimativas da primeira e segunda variáveis canônicas, bem como os coeficientes canônicos padronizados foram realizadas. Observou-se oscilações no ADF entre as gramíneas, em que, pastos do ecótipo B4 apresentam a maior altura em relação aos demais B. brizantha. A BRS Paiaguás apresenta o maior DPP. Os coeficientes canônicos padrões da primeira variável canônica mostraram que a fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e a lignina são as variáveis que mais afetam a primeira variável canônica, positiva e negativamente. Isso indica que essas são as variáveis que mais interferem na diferenciação de características relacionadas ao valor nutritivo de gramíneas de B. brizantha. A primeira variável canônica explica 80,5% da variação da pastagem de B. brizantha, além disso, é possível observar uma distribuição diferenciada entre as pastagens estudadas. As pastagens de B. brizantha apresentam variações na arquitetura da copa forrageira, que acabam impactadas pela concentração de lignina do dossel.(AU)

Multivariate of forage biomass and nutritive value in pastures of Brachiaria brizantha / Multivariada da biomassa de forragem e valor nutritivo em pastos de Brachiaria brizantha

The hypothesis tested was that pastures of the genus Brachiaria, but with variations in forage canopy architecture (canopy height, leaf area index and tiller population density), would not present oscillations in the variables related to primary production and to nutritive value, under similar soil and climate conditions, and under the same management system. Thus, the present work intends to evaluate the different cultivars of Brachiaria brizantha, observing the dissimilarity of the variables related to forage biomass and nutritive value. The experiment was conducted by Embrapa beef cattle.The design was completely randomized blocks with three replicates. The treatments were three ecotypes of Brachiaria brizantha, B4, BRS Paiaguás and Xaraés. The grazing method used was the intermittent variable stocking rate. The data of forage canopy height (FCH), tiller population density (TPD) and leaf area index (LAI) were submitted to analysis of variance. Estimates of the first and second canonical variables, as well as standardized canonical coefficients were performed. It was noticed oscillations at the FCH between the grasses, in which, pastures of e cotype B4 present the highest height in relation to the other B. brizantha. BRS Paiaguás presents the highest TPD. The standard canonical coefficients of the first canonical variable showed that neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and lignin are the variables that most affect the first canonical variable, positively and negatively. This indicates that these are the variables that most interfere in the differentiation of characteristics related to the nutritive value of B. brizantha grasses. The first canonical variable explains 80.5% of the B. brizantha pasture variation, in addition, it is possible to observe a differentiated distribution among the pastures studied. The B. brizantha pastures present variations in forage canopy architecture, which end up impacted by the canopy lignin concentration.

A hipótese testada foi que pastagens do gênero Brachiaria, mas com variações na arquitetura do dossel forrageiro (altura do dossel, índice de área foliar e densidade populacional dos perfilhos), não apresentariam oscilações nas variáveis relacionadas à produção primária e valor nutritivo, em condições edofoclimáticas semelhantes, e sob o mesmo sistema de manejo. Assim, o presente trabalho pretende avaliar as diferentes cultivares de Brachiaria brizantha, observando a dissimilaridade das variáveis relacionadas à biomassa e valor nutritivo. O experimento foi conduzido na Embrapa Gado de Corte. O delineamento foi de blocos casualizados, com três repetições. Os tratamentos foram três ecótipos de Brachiaria brizantha, B4, BRS Paiaguás e Xaraés. O método de pastejo utilizado foi o de lotação intermitente com taxa de lotação variada. Os dados de altura do dossel forrageiro (ADF), densidade populacional dos perfilhos (DPP) e índice de área foliar (IAF) foram submetidos à análise de variância. As estimativas da primeira e segunda variáveis canônicas, bem como os coeficientes canônicos padronizados foram realizadas. Observou-se oscilações no ADF entre as gramíneas, em que, pastos do ecótipo B4 apresentam a maior altura em relação aos demais B. brizantha. A BRS Paiaguás apresenta o maior DPP. Os coeficientes canônicos padrões da primeira variável canônica mostraram que a fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e a lignina são as variáveis que mais afetam a primeira variável canônica, positiva e negativamente. Isso indica que essas são as variáveis que mais interferem na diferenciação de características relacionadas ao valor nutritivo de gramíneas de B. brizantha. A primeira variável canônica explica 80,5% da variação da pastagem de B. brizantha, além disso, é possível observar uma distribuição diferenciada entre as pastagens estudadas. As pastagens de B. brizantha apresentam variações na arquitetura da copa forrageira, que acabam impactadas pela concentração de lignina do dossel.

Do silicon and nitric oxide induce resistance to Mahanarva spectabilis (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) in forage grasses?

BACKGROUND: Great efforts have been made to identify grasses that are resistant to spittlebugs (Hemiptera: Cercopidae). However, the time required to develop and launch new cultivars is relatively long. The employment of resistance inducers is a current strategy that may be useful for the control of insect pests. This analysis evaluates the feasibility of using the chemical inducers silicon and nitric oxide to increase spittlebug resistance based on changes in forage grass vegetative characteristics and the biological traits of Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant, 1909). RESULTS: Mahanarva spectabilis nymphs and adults can cause significant damage to forage grasses. Furthermore, silicon and nitric oxide inducers were not sufficient to lessen this damage by positively influencing the growth and development of forage grasses. These inducers did not negatively alter the biological parameters of M. spectabilis or diminish its population. However, phenolic compound concentrations increased when forage grasses were treated with silicon or attacked by adult insects, but this parameter was not useful to predict spittlebug resistance. This fact suggests that the physiological and biochemical changes caused by silicon should be further studied. CONCLUSION: The current analysis demonstrated that application of the chemical inducers silicon and nitric oxide is currently not a viable strategy for the effective and economic management of M. spectabilis on Brachiaria ruziziensis, Pennisetum purpureum and Digitaria sp. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Tolerance to nymphs and adults of Mahanarva spectabilis (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) by forage plants in fertilized soils.

BACKGROUND: Several factors may degrade pastures, in particular, inadequate nutrient application and spittlebug attacks. Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant, 1909) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae), one of the species that occur in Brazil, is a limiting pest in forage production. This study analyzes the influence of fertilization with the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) on the survival of M. spectabilis nymphs, and the effects of damage by nymphs and adults on the production, quality and regrowth capacity of the forages Brachiaria ruziziensis, Pennisetum purpureum and Digitaria sp. RESULTS: Fertilization of the forages differentially affected damage due to spittlebug herbivory. Attacks by nymphs and adults decreased chlorophyll content, plant regrowth and forage quality, and increased injury, regardless of fertilization. The availability of nutrients in the soil not only decreased fiber content, but also increased crude protein, chlorophyll content and regrowth, even when pest infested. Soil fertilization increased the capacity of forage plants to lessen, albeit not eliminate, the effects of injury by M. spectabilis. CONCLUSION: Forages in fertilized soil are more tolerant to attacks by M. spectabilis nymphs and adults. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

How Do Collaria oleosa and Brachiaria spp. Respond to Increase in Carbon Dioxide Levels?

The current study determines the indirect effect of CO2 level increase on Collaria oleosa (Distant, 1863) (Hemiptera: Miridae) fed on Brachiaria spp. (Poaceae), at two trophic levels, and evaluates resistance to these forages against the insect pest. Mirid bug nymphs and host plant were maintained under four climate environments: (1) nymphs and plants kept at 400 ppm CO2 level; (2) nymphs kept at 400 ppm CO2 level and fed on plants grown at 700 ppm CO2 level; (3) nymphs kept at 700 ppm CO2 level and fed on plants grown at 400 ppm CO2 level; (4) nymphs and plants kept at 700 ppm CO2 level. A totally randomized design was employed with 50 replications. Mean duration and survival of each instar and nymphal phase of insect, subjected to different climate scenarios and food sources, were evaluated. High CO2 levels promote changes in the plant, which trigger changes in the biology of C. oleosa, especially when the insects are kept at the current CO2 level. Moreover, since longer developmental period and shorter survival rates will induce the reduction of the number of generations and number of specimens, it may be underscored that B. brizantha species resistance will be maintained in future climate scenarios. Similarly, genotypes of B. ruziziensis demonstrated that they will be resistant at current and future CO2 levels.

Beef cattle performance in response to Ipyporã and Marandu brachiariagrass cultivars under rotational stocking management

The objective of this two-year study was to evaluate live weight gain per animal and per area and their relationships with the characteristics of BRS Ipyporã (Brachiaria ruziziensis × Brachiaria brizantha) and Marandu (Brachiaria brizantha) pastures. A completely randomized block design was used with two treatments and four replicates. The grazing method was rotational stocking, with variable stocking rate. Stocking rate was adjusted twice a week during the grazing period (six or seven days) and post-grazing canopy height target of 15 cm. Animals were weighed every 28 days. Pastures were evaluated pre-grazing to estimate forage accumulation rate, forage mass (FM), leaf (LP) and stem (SP) percentages, and nutritive value. In the post-grazing, FM, LP, and SP were evaluated. Marandu palisadegrass pastures had greater FAR, pre-grazing FM, and hence, a greater SR when compared with BRS Ipyporã. However, compared with Marandu, BRS Ipyporã showed greater LP, leaf:stem ratio, crude protein, and in vitro organic matter digestibility, resulting in greater individual live weight gain. The lesser stocking rate in Ipyporã pastures was compensated, providing a greater individual live weight gain of steers, resulting in a similar live weight gain per area for the two cultivars. Thus, BRS Ipyporã is a good alternative for the diversification of pastures in the Cerrado region.(AU)

Effect of supplementation frequency in feeding behavior, displacement patterns and forage intake of beef heifers / Efeito de frequências de suplementação no comportamento ingestivo, padrões de deslocamento e ingestão de forragem por novilhas de corte

Our work was carried out to evaluate forage intake, feeding behavior and displacement patterns of beef heifers fed exclusively on pasture or receiving oat grain, either daily (frequent) or from Monday to Friday (infrequent), in two phenological stages of Alexandergrass (Urochloa plantaginea Link.): Vegetative and Reproductive. The grazing method was continuous, with a variable number of animals. The experimental design was completely randomized with measures repeated in time with three feeding frequencies and two phenological stages. Forage intake was estimated using the chromic oxide technique as an indicator of fecal output. Heifers on exclusive Alexandergrass pasture and frequently supplemented had higher forage intake of dry matter (DM, 2.91 kg DM 100 kg BW-1) than those that were infrequently supplemented (2.00 kg DM 100 kg BW-1). Forage intake was greater in the Vegetative stage. The use of feeding stations is modified in response to supplementation frequency and phenological stages of Alexandergrass. Bite mass was higher for daily supplemented heifers, and these animals spent less time grazing. Also, bite mass was the item that best explained DM total ingestion. Bite mass and grazing time were similar throughout the phenological stages, whereas bite rate decreased in the reproductive stage. Feeding behavior and forage intake responses of beef heifers were influencedby supplementation frequency and phenological stages of Alexandergrass.(AU)

Nos estádios fenológicos Vegetativo e Reprodutivo do papuã (Urochloa plantaginea Link.) foram avaliados a ingestão de matéria seca, o comportamento ingestivo e os padrões de deslocamento de novilhas em pastejo ou recebendo grão de aveia diariamente (frequente) ou de segunda a sexta-feira (infrequente). O método de pastejo foi contínuo com número variável de animais. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com medidas repetidas no tempo com três frequências alimentares e dois estádios fenológicos. A ingestão de matéria seca foi estimada por meio de técnica do óxido de cromo como indicador da produção fecal. Animais em pastagem exclusiva de papuã e com suplemento diário consumiram mais forragem (2,91 kg MS 100 kg PC-1) que os animais que receberam suplemento infrequente (2,00 kg MS 100 kg PC-1). O consumo de forragem foi maior no estádio Vegetativo do que no Reprodutivo. O uso das estações alimentares é modificado em resposta as frequências de suplementação e estádios fenológicos. Novilhas que receberam suplemento diariamente pastejaram por menor tempo e colheram bocados mais pesados. A massa de bocado é o item que melhor explica a ingestão total de MS. O peso do bocado e o tempo de pastejo foram semelhantes nos estádios fenológicos do pasto enquanto a taxa de bocado diminuiu no estádio reprodutivo. Mudanças na frequência de suplementação e nos estádios fenológicos do papuã modificam o comportamentoingestivo e o consumo de forragem de novilhas de corte.(AU)

Potassium nitrate on overcoming dormancy in Brachiaria humidicola BRS Tupi seeds / O potássio na superação da dormência em sementes de Brachiaria humidicola BRS Tupi

In this study, the aim was to determine the influence of potassium nitrate, using different concentrations and immersion times on the dormancy of the seeds of Brachiaria humidicola cv. BRS Tupi. Four experiments were performed adopting a factorial scheme (5x3+1) in different seed lots, for different post-harvest storage durations, during which the seeds were immersed in potassium nitrate solutions of different specific concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 and 1% KNO3 ), for three exposure periods (12, 24 and 48h), plus one control (untreated), in a completely randomized design. The characteristics assessed included the imbibition curve, germination, first count and germination rate, as well as viability confirmed by using tetrazolium test. From the findings it was evident that treatments involving 0.1; 0.3; 0.5 and 1% KNO3 or pure water, with a 12 hour-soaking period enabled the stored seeds to germinate well for a minimum of eight months post harvest. Root protrusion was observed 24 hours post seed imbibition, whereas for the untreated seeds, satisfactory germination was observed from at least 12 months post harvest and, in most of the lots, between 18 and 24 months.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos do nitrato de potássio, em diferentes concentrações e períodos de imersão, na superação da dormência de sementes de Brachiaria humidicola cv. BRS Tupi. Os experimentos, em número de quatro, foram realizados com diferentes lotes de sementes, em esquema fatorial (5x3+1) em diferentes períodos de armazenamento após a colheita, em que os tratamentos consistiram de imersão das sementes em soluções com diferentes concentrações de nitrato de potássio (0; 0,1; 0,3; 0,5 e 1% de KNO3), por três períodos de exposição (12, 24 e 48h), mais uma testemunha (sem tratamento), em delineamento inteiramente casualisado. As características avaliadas foram: curva de embebição, germinação, primeira contagem e índice de velocidade de germinação e viabilidade pelo teste de tetrazólio. Os tratamentos 0,1; 0,3; 0,5 e 1% de KNO3 ou água pura, com período de embebição por 12 horas, proporcionam germinação satisfatória das sementes armazenadas por, no mínimo, oito meses após a colheita. A partir de 24h de embebição das sementes ocorre protrusão radicular, enquanto para as sementes não tratadas a germinação satisfatória ocorre, no mínimo, a partir de 12 meses da colheita e, na maioria dos lotes, de 18 a 24 meses.(AU)

Potassium nitrate on overcoming dormancy in Brachiaria humidicola BRS Tupi seeds / O potássio na superação da dormência em sementes de Brachiaria humidicola BRS Tupi

In this study, the aim was to determine the influence of potassium nitrate, using different concentrations and immersion times on the dormancy of the seeds of Brachiaria humidicola cv. BRS Tupi. Four experiments were performed adopting a factorial scheme (5x3+1) in different seed lots, for different post-harvest storage durations, during which the seeds were immersed in potassium nitrate solutions of different specific concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 and 1% KNO3 ), for three exposure periods (12, 24 and 48h), plus one control (untreated), in a completely randomized design. The characteristics assessed included the imbibition curve, germination, first count and germination rate, as well as viability confirmed by using tetrazolium test. From the findings it was evident that treatments involving 0.1; 0.3; 0.5 and 1% KNO3 or pure water, with a 12 hour-soaking period enabled the stored seeds to germinate well for a minimum of eight months post harvest. Root protrusion was observed 24 hours post seed imbibition, whereas for the untreated seeds, satisfactory germination was observed from at least 12 months post harvest and, in most of the lots, between 18 and 24 months.

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos do nitrato de potássio, em diferentes concentrações e períodos de imersão, na superação da dormência de sementes de Brachiaria humidicola cv. BRS Tupi. Os experimentos, em número de quatro, foram realizados com diferentes lotes de sementes, em esquema fatorial (5x3+1) em diferentes períodos de armazenamento após a colheita, em que os tratamentos consistiram de imersão das sementes em soluções com diferentes concentrações de nitrato de potássio (0; 0,1; 0,3; 0,5 e 1% de KNO3), por três períodos de exposição (12, 24 e 48h), mais uma testemunha (sem tratamento), em delineamento inteiramente casualisado. As características avaliadas foram: curva de embebição, germinação, primeira contagem e índice de velocidade de germinação e viabilidade pelo teste de tetrazólio. Os tratamentos 0,1; 0,3; 0,5 e 1% de KNO3 ou água pura, com período de embebição por 12 horas, proporcionam germinação satisfatória das sementes armazenadas por, no mínimo, oito meses após a colheita. A partir de 24h de embebição das sementes ocorre protrusão radicular, enquanto para as sementes não tratadas a germinação satisfatória ocorre, no mínimo, a partir de 12 meses da colheita e, na maioria dos lotes, de 18 a 24 meses.

Effect of supplementation frequency in feeding behavior, displacement patterns and forage intake of beef heifers / Efeito de frequências de suplementação no comportamento ingestivo, padrões de deslocamento e ingestão de forragem por novilhas de corte

Our work was carried out to evaluate forage intake, feeding behavior and displacement patterns of beef heifers fed exclusively on pasture or receiving oat grain, either daily (frequent) or from Monday to Friday (infrequent), in two phenological stages of Alexandergrass (Urochloa plantaginea Link.): Vegetative and Reproductive. The grazing method was continuous, with a variable number of animals. The experimental design was completely randomized with measures repeated in time with three feeding frequencies and two phenological stages. Forage intake was estimated using the chromic oxide technique as an indicator of fecal output. Heifers on exclusive Alexandergrass pasture and frequently supplemented had higher forage intake of dry matter (DM, 2.91 kg DM 100 kg BW-1) than those that were infrequently supplemented (2.00 kg DM 100 kg BW-1). Forage intake was greater in the Vegetative stage. The use of feeding stations is modified in response to supplementation frequency and phenological stages of Alexandergrass. Bite mass was higher for daily supplemented heifers, and these animals spent less time grazing. Also, bite mass was the item that best explained DM total ingestion. Bite mass and grazing time were similar throughout the phenological stages, whereas bite rate decreased in the reproductive stage. Feeding behavior and forage intake responses of beef heifers were influencedby supplementation frequency and phenological stages of Alexandergrass.

Nos estádios fenológicos Vegetativo e Reprodutivo do papuã (Urochloa plantaginea Link.) foram avaliados a ingestão de matéria seca, o comportamento ingestivo e os padrões de deslocamento de novilhas em pastejo ou recebendo grão de aveia diariamente (frequente) ou de segunda a sexta-feira (infrequente). O método de pastejo foi contínuo com número variável de animais. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com medidas repetidas no tempo com três frequências alimentares e dois estádios fenológicos. A ingestão de matéria seca foi estimada por meio de técnica do óxido de cromo como indicador da produção fecal. Animais em pastagem exclusiva de papuã e com suplemento diário consumiram mais forragem (2,91 kg MS 100 kg PC-1) que os animais que receberam suplemento infrequente (2,00 kg MS 100 kg PC-1). O consumo de forragem foi maior no estádio Vegetativo do que no Reprodutivo. O uso das estações alimentares é modificado em resposta as frequências de suplementação e estádios fenológicos. Novilhas que receberam suplemento diariamente pastejaram por menor tempo e colheram bocados mais pesados. A massa de bocado é o item que melhor explica a ingestão total de MS. O peso do bocado e o tempo de pastejo foram semelhantes nos estádios fenológicos do pasto enquanto a taxa de bocado diminuiu no estádio reprodutivo. Mudanças na frequência de suplementação e nos estádios fenológicos do papuã modificam o comportamentoingestivo e o consumo de forragem de novilhas de corte.

Morpho-physiological profile of Marandu palisade grass managed under different forage allowance and grazed by dairy cows / Perfil morfofisiológico de capim-Marandu manejado sob diferentes ofertas de forragem e pastejado por vacas leiteiras

The study was conducted to evaluate the morphological composition of pastures, and the chemical composition of leaves and stems of Marandu grass managed under forage allowances of 4, 7, 10 and 13 kg per 100 kg of live weight (LW). Grazing was done by Holstein cows, and the method adopted was rotated stocking with variable stocking rate and rest period of 21 days. Collection of samples was conducted by double sampling. Stocking adjustment of each plot was made according to green dry forage mass, plot area, and the forage allowance desired. The percentage of leaves varies (P < 0.05) due to the interaction between forage allowance and grazing cycles (GC) with different behavior for each forage allowance. The percentage of stems and dead material did not differ (P>0.05) between the forage allowances, however they varied during the experimental period, with lower (P <0.05) stem percentages and greater (P < 0.05) percentage of dead material in the third and fourth GC. There was an interaction (P < 0.05) between forage allowance and GC for crude protein (CP) content in the leaves. In the stems, CP content decreased with the increasing forage allowance. Cell wall components contents were similar among the forage allowances both in the leaves and in the stems, but there was variation in the levels of the different components over the GC. Thus, the definition of an adequate forage allowance must consider the climatic conditions of the region and the time of year.(AU)

O estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar a composição morfológica dos pastos e a composição química das folhas e colmos de capim-Marandu manejados sob as ofertas de forragem de 4, 7, 10 e 13 kg por 100 kg de peso vivo (PV). O pastejo foi realizado por vacas da raça Holandesa e o método adotado foi rotacionado, com taxa de lotação variável e período de descanso de 21 dias. A coleta de amostras foi realizada por dupla amostragem. O ajuste da carga animal de cada parcela foi feito de acordo com a massa de forragem verde seca, a área da parcela e a oferta de forragem pretendida. A porcentagem de folhas variou (P < 0,05) em função da interação entre ofertas de forragem e ciclos de pastejo (CP), apresentando comportamento diferente para cada oferta. As porcentagens de colmos e material morto não diferiram entre as ofertas de forragem, porém variaram ao longo do período experimental com menores (P < 0,05) porcentagens de colmos e maiores (P < 0,05) de material morto no terceiro e quarto CP. Houve interação (P < 0,05) entre oferta de forragem e CP sobre o teor de proteína bruta (PB) nas folhas. Já nos colmos, os teores de PB diminuíram com o aumento das ofertas. Os teores de componentes da parede celular foram semelhantes entre as ofertas, tanto nas folhas quanto nos colmos, porém ocorreu variação nos teores dos diferentes componentes ao longo dos CP. Dessa forma,podemos inferir que a composição morfológica dos pastos de capim-Marandu é alterada tanto pelas ofertas de forragem quanto pelos CP. O mesmo acontece com os teores de PB. Por outro lado, os diferentes componentes da parede celular são modificados pelo decorrer do período experimental. Dessa forma, a definição de uma oferta de forragem adequada deve considerar as condições climáticas da região e a época do ano. (AU)

Morpho-physiological profile of Marandu palisade grass managed under different forage allowance and grazed by dairy cows / Perfil morfofisiológico de capim-Marandu manejado sob diferentes ofertas de forragem e pastejado por vacas leiteiras

The study was conducted to evaluate the morphological composition of pastures, and the chemical composition of leaves and stems of Marandu grass managed under forage allowances of 4, 7, 10 and 13 kg per 100 kg of live weight (LW). Grazing was done by Holstein cows, and the method adopted was rotated stocking with variable stocking rate and rest period of 21 days. Collection of samples was conducted by double sampling. Stocking adjustment of each plot was made according to green dry forage mass, plot area, and the forage allowance desired. The percentage of leaves varies (P 0.05) between the forage allowances, however they varied during the experimental period, with lower (P <0.05) stem percentages and greater (P < 0.05) percentage of dead material in the third and fourth GC. There was an interaction (P < 0.05) between forage allowance and GC for crude protein (CP) content in the leaves. In the stems, CP content decreased with the increasing forage allowance. Cell wall components contents were similar among the forage allowances both in the leaves and in the stems, but there was variation in the levels of the different components over the GC. Thus, the definition of an adequate forage allowance must consider the climatic conditions of the region and the time of year.

O estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar a composição morfológica dos pastos e a composição química das folhas e colmos de capim-Marandu manejados sob as ofertas de forragem de 4, 7, 10 e 13 kg por 100 kg de peso vivo (PV). O pastejo foi realizado por vacas da raça Holandesa e o método adotado foi rotacionado, com taxa de lotação variável e período de descanso de 21 dias. A coleta de amostras foi realizada por dupla amostragem. O ajuste da carga animal de cada parcela foi feito de acordo com a massa de forragem verde seca, a área da parcela e a oferta de forragem pretendida. A porcentagem de folhas variou (P < 0,05) em função da interação entre ofertas de forragem e ciclos de pastejo (CP), apresentando comportamento diferente para cada oferta. As porcentagens de colmos e material morto não diferiram entre as ofertas de forragem, porém variaram ao longo do período experimental com menores (P < 0,05) porcentagens de colmos e maiores (P < 0,05) de material morto no terceiro e quarto CP. Houve interação (P < 0,05) entre oferta de forragem e CP sobre o teor de proteína bruta (PB) nas folhas. Já nos colmos, os teores de PB diminuíram com o aumento das ofertas. Os teores de componentes da parede celular foram semelhantes entre as ofertas, tanto nas folhas quanto nos colmos, porém ocorreu variação nos teores dos diferentes componentes ao longo dos CP. Dessa forma,podemos inferir que a composição morfológica dos pastos de capim-Marandu é alterada tanto pelas ofertas de forragem quanto pelos CP. O mesmo acontece com os teores de PB. Por outro lado, os diferentes componentes da parede celular são modificados pelo decorrer do período experimental. Dessa forma, a definição de uma oferta de forragem adequada deve considerar as condições climáticas da região e a época do ano.

Meiotic behavior of Brachiaria decumbens hybrids.

Brachiaria decumbens is a forage grass of inestimable value for livestock in Brazil due to its production of good quality forage even when planted on acid and poor soils, although it is susceptible to pasture spittlebugs. Only one cultivar, cv. Basilisk, has been used as the pollen donor in crosses with Brachiaria ruziziensis since 1988 at Embrapa Gado de Corte Research Center. Breeding within the species only became possible from 2009 when sexual accessions were successfully tetraploidized using colchicine. Three sexual genotypes were obtained and hybridization within B. decumbens was finally achieved. Here, we evaluated microspore tetrads using conventional cytology and found meiotic indexes above 78% for all three female genitors (cD24-2, cD24-27, cD24-45), but a low meiotic index (<22%) in the natural apomictic genitor D62 (cv. Basilisk) and in 49 hybrids. Analysis of the relationship between abnormal tetrad frequency and non-viable pollen grains yielded a highly significant Pearson correlation coefficient. The t-test proved significant for the progeny of cD24-45 x D62, with lower abnormalities and pollen sterility when compared to the other two progenies resulting from cD24-2 and cD24-27 crossed to D62, but these two did not differ. Apomictic hybrids such as S036 and X030 with low pollen sterility have the potential for use in cultivar development, whereas the sexual hybrids T012, X072, and X078 might be of use as female genitors in polycross blocks if they display good agronomic traits.