Production, forage quality and cattle performance in Paiaguas palisadegrass and Tamani grasses in different forms of animal supplementation in crop-livestock integration

Abstract

Crop-livestock integration is the production strategy that consists of the diversification and integration of the different productive, agricultural and livestock systems, within the same area. Thus, the goal was to evaluate the production, forage quality and cattle performance in Paiaguas palisadegrass and Tamani grasses in different forms of animal supplementation in crop-livestock integration. The study was set up a randomized block experimental design, with four replicates, in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of two forages (BRS Tamani and BRS Paiaguas) and two animal supplementation strategies (mineral and protein-energy supplementation), in a crop-livestock integration system. Paiaguas palisadegrass showed higher forage production in all grazing cycles. Both forages showed satisfactory results in terms of average daily weight gain and total weight. The provision of protein supplementation to animals did not interfere with animal performance. Paiaguas palisadegrass and Tamani guinea grass showed potential in crop-livestock integration in succession to soybean and may be an alternative of quality food to be offered in the dry season. The system contributed to maintaining the sustainability of animal production on pasture.