Abstract
This work aimed to determine and compare the effect of elevation and season on the productivity and the nutritive value of pastures in the Azores (Terceira Island). Forage was collected and analysed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), ether extract (EE), mineral ash (Ash), dry matter digestibility (DMD) and organic matter digestibility (OMD). The net productivity (NP) was higher in the low elevation pasture A (1.80 g m−2), lower in pasture B (0.98 g m−2) and peaked in the winter in both pastures A (3.57 g m−2) and B (2.33 g m−2) and during the summer in the high elevation pasture C (2.15 g m−2). The soil chemical proprieties varied significantly among the three pastures. The highest soil pH, available P, K, Ca and Mg were recorded in pasture A. Positive correlations were observed between all soil parameters analysed and NP, except for the OM content. The DM, PB and EE changed significantly with elevation, while all nutritive parameters (except CP, EE and Ash) increased significantly along the growth season. Environmental factors influenced the nutritive parameters and productivity, suggesting that climate change might have significant impacts on forage production and quality.
Highlights
Climate change reflects long-term regional, or even global, changes on average temperature, humidity and rainfall patterns over seasons, years, or decades [1]
While forage pastures are an economic source of nutrients for livestock production, they contribute to conserving soil integrity, water supply and air quality [10]
The evaluation of forage quality is important for the prediction of animal performance and to implement appropriate management strategies for its exploitation [54]
Summary
Climate change reflects long-term regional, or even global, changes on average temperature, humidity and rainfall patterns over seasons, years, or decades [1]. Several climate models have been proposed to better understand and plan in advance the future impacts of climate changes. These models suggest that the average precipitation will increase, reductions are likely to happen in particular regions [2,3]. Other biodiversity erosion drivers, such as habitat fragmentation, habitat loss and invasive species, promote the loss of biodiversity These biodiversity erosion drivers impact island ecosystems [5]. Forage pastures are the main source of nutrition for most ruminant livestock, contributing greatly to milk and meat production [7,8]. While forage pastures are an economic source of nutrients for livestock production, they contribute to conserving soil integrity, water supply and air quality [10]
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