Abstract
The experiment aimed at evaluating leaf biomass flow, intensity and frequency of defoliation of Alexandergrass (Urochloa plantaginea (Link) Hitch) by beef heifers exclusively on pasture or that grazed and received protein salt. A completely randomized experimental design was used with repeated measures over time, two treatments and two area replications, with three Angus test heifers by paddock. Leaf blade intake flow is 18% superior for heifers exclusively on pasture. Grazing intensity (59.8%) is similar when heifers receive protein salt or not. Heifers receiving protein salt reduce by one day the defoliation frequency of tillers. The supply of protein salt for beef heifers grazing Alexandergrass affects the herbivore-plant relationship, decreasing intake flow and leaf blade defoliation frequency.
Highlights
Structural and morphogenic pasture measures, obtained through the technique of marked tillers allow the estimation of grass leaf tissue flow, at the tiller level as well as at the area level
Scientific information referring to leaf blade flow for tropical forages are scarce (CUTRIM JR. et al, 2013; LOPES et al, 2013)
The experiment was conducted from January through March, 2010 at the Animal Science Department experiment facilities of the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil
Summary
Structural and morphogenic pasture measures, obtained through the technique of marked tillers allow the estimation of grass leaf tissue flow, at the tiller level as well as at the area level. Determination of these measures is useful for the understanding of forage growth processes and may indicate pasture management conditions, assuring efficient and sustainable animal production (SILVA; NASCIMENTO JUNIOR, 2007). Protein supplements are supplied to grazing cattle when higher performances are sought compared to those obtained exclusively on tropical forages (GOES et al, 2003). Considering that the supply of protein to grazing animals, in tropical pastures, can interfere with forage intake and change leaf blade tissues flow, the present experiment evaluated the intensity and defoliation frequency and quantified the different leaf blade flows in Alexandergrass, grazed by beef heifers, supplemented or not with a protein salt
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