Evaluation of the botanical composition of kikuyu and fescue grasslands associated with white clover during two seasons in the high valleys of Mexico

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate the botanical composition of grasslands of kikuyu (Cenchrus clandestinus) compared to tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum cv. Cajun II), each one in association with white clover (Trifolium repens cv. Ladino), in two independent experiments conducted during two seasons, autumn 2018 and winter 2019. Methodology. Two independent experiments under small-scale milk production system (SMPS) were established in the municipality of Aculco, State of Mexico, during autumn 2018 and winter 2019. The botanical composition of grasslands under intensive continuous grazing by breeding cows was evaluated. One grassland planted with tall fescue cv. Cajun II and the other invaded by kikuyu; each grassland was associated with white clover cv. Ladino. The botanical composition of both experiments was analyzed using a complete randomized experimental design. Results. The kikuyu grassland recorded significant differences (p<0.05) with a higher proportion of forage during the winter 2018. Whereas the tall fescue cv. Cajun II grassland recorded a proportion of forage (p<0.05) higher than its proportion of dead tissue during autumn 2019. Study Implications: The study of the botanical composition of mixed grasslands destined for livestock grazing allows to identify, propose and define strategies for forage production facing agroclimatic and management conditions in order to generate a better and higher forage yield. Conclusions: The proportion of kikuyu was higher than that of tall fescue cv. Cajun II during the two seasons and years evaluated. This highlights the adaptability of kikuyu grass under agroecological conditions such as the absence of rains and high temperatures, coupled with the high stocking densities of the milk production systems in the study region.