Abstract
Pasture management with levels of leaf blades may favor significant increase in production, and the leaves indicated an important role in plant-animal relationship, caused by photosynthesis efficiency and better quality in animal diet. Current study identifies which leaf blade mass of the African star (Cynodon nlemfuensis var. Nlemfuensis) provides better productivity and nutritional value. Treatments comprised different leaf blade masses: 800, 1200, 1600 and 2000 kg of dry matter ha-1. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four treatments and three repetitions, totaling 12 plots with 100 m2 each. Results indicated increase in production, in the leaf/stem ratio and in the interval days according to increase in leaf blade mass. Daily accumulation rate was similar to treatments. Crude protein decreased and fiber increased with rise in leaf blade mass and the highest forage productions were reported in the treatments 1200 and 1600 kg ha-1 leaf blade mass.
Highlights
The beef cattle industry in Brazil evidenced several modifications in the productive system, or rather, from a traditional production system to a system featuring new technologies, such as the use of animal management depending on the availability of leaf blades to increase production efficiency
According to Gonçalves et al (2003), cuts or grazing should be performed at shorter intervals to reduce acid detergent fiber (ADF) level, negatively correlated with digestibility
The management of African Star with masses of leaf blades from 1200 to 1600 kg DM ha-1 corresponding to pre-grazing heights 25-34 cm showed high forage production, with satisfactory nutritional quality
Summary
The beef cattle industry in Brazil evidenced several modifications in the productive system, or rather, from a traditional production system to a system featuring new technologies, such as the use of animal management depending on the availability of leaf blades to increase production efficiency. Knowledge of production capacity, phenological characteristics and nutritional rates of grass forages are critical to keep many producers in the cattle industry. The management of animals due to the leaf blade is one of the most important parameters because pastures with green leaves accessible at the top of the plants are those with higher nutritional quality for cattle grazing. The adjustment of stocking depending on the availability of leaf blades may be an important strategy to improve the utilization of pasture, reduce degradation and provide access to animals for better food quality. Current analysis identifies which leaf blade mass provides better productivity and nutritional rates
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