Abstract
Abstract The objective of this study was to compare and explain the variations in the production and nutritive value of canarana erecta lisa grass (Echinocloa pyramidalis Lam.) at different harvest intervals. The treatments corresponded to the cut intervals of 20, 27, 34, 41, 48, 55, 62, and 69 days. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with three replications. Each experimental unit had 6m2 (3m ×2m). The variables studied included forage production, canopy height, and nutritive value o harvested forage. Forage production varied from 11517 to 12324 kg ha-1; Plant heights from 48.8 to 234 cm; Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) from 68.8% to 71.13%; Acid detergent fiber (ADF) from 36.20% to 44.15%; Crude protein (CP) from 11.43% to 5.85% and in “in vitro” dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) from 63.30% to 47.42%. These values indicated that the nutritive value of canarana erecta lisa was reduced at longer harvest intervals. It is recommended to harvest the grass at 35 days of regrowth favoring productivity, nutritive value and forage digestibility.
Highlights
Most Brazilian cattle heard are kept in grazed pastures, which constitute the main supply of nutrients and the basic source of feed for the animals, characterizing the most economic form of production, contributing to reduced production costs(1)
Forage production varied from 11517 to 12324 kg ha1; Plant heights from 48.8 to 234 cm; Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) from 68.8% to 71.13%; Acid detergent fiber (ADF) from 36.20% to 44.15%; Crude protein (CP) from 11.43% to 5.85% and in “in vitro” dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) from 63.30% to 47.42%. These values indicated that the nutritive value of canarana erecta lisa was reduced at longer harvest intervals
The lesser forage production was observed when canarana erecta lisa was cut at 20 days of regrowth, with 11517 kg ha-1, and the greatest forage production was at 69 days, with 12324 kg ha-1
Summary
Most Brazilian cattle heard are kept in grazed pastures, which constitute the main supply of nutrients and the basic source of feed for the animals, characterizing the most economic form of production, contributing to reduced production costs(1). The choice of the best forage plant for a given locality is dependent on the soil and climatic conditions, since it can compromise the whole productive process of the forage crop, influencing the economic viability of the activity. In order to exploit the full productive potential of a forage grass, aiming for increased animal production, it is necessary that, in addition to the appropriate choice of forage crop, adequate harvest management. It is necessary to understand the production potential and variations in the forage nutritive value under different environment and management conditions, in order to optimize the stocking rate(3)
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