Dry matter yield, nutritional value and weight gain of grazing calves of a Mombaza-Kudzú association

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the effect of grazing on biomass production, nutritional value and animal production of a grass-legume association.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The associated meadow was Mombaza (Megathyrsus maximus) – Kudzú (Pueraria phaseoloides), and Mombaza in monoculture was the control meadow. Ten calves, five for each pasture were used in rotational grazing for seven months. Every 36 days, dry matter yield, proportion of Kudzu in association, protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, ash and daily weight gain were evaluated.

Results: The dry matter yield was not different between meadow types, but it was different between sampling dates, being higher at the beginning of the rainy season (May 20). The proportion of Kudzu in the association was low and decreased during the study from 8.42% to 1.71%. Lignin increased in the association in the driest month (April). The daily weight gain in the monoculture meadow was 978 g vs 678 g an-1d-1 of the association, without being significantly different.

Limitations of the study/implications: The low persistence of the legume in the association is a limitation to improve the nutritional value of the meadow; and, consequently, to improve grazing animal production.

Findings/Conclusions: In the dry season, both meadows register the highest concentration of protein, and at the beginning of this period, the greatest weight gain of the animals occurs, without registering greater weight gains in the association due to the low persistence of the legume. .

Keywords: Pueraria phaseoloides, dry matter yield, protein, grazing, animal production