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- Title
Sheep performance and forage quality in grass-legume pastures with different canopy heights.
- Authors
Batista, Ana Carolina Lopes; Barbosa, Cristina Maria Pacheco; Penteado, Lucas Ferreira; Ongaro, Ana Flavia Bastos; Costa, Ricardo Lopes Dias da; Simili, Flavia Fernanda; Ribeiro, Enilson Geraldo; Mattos, Waldssimiler Teixeira de; Gerdes, Luciana; Gimenes, Flavia Maria de Andrade
- Abstract
Context: Canopy height is an important grazing management tool in grass and multispecies pastures. Aim: To evaluate the effect of different canopy heights on the nutritional value of forage and animal productivity in pastures formed by Aruana guineagrass (Megathyrsus maximus cv. Aruana) combined legumes [Macrotyloma (Macrotyloma axillare), Calopo (Calopogonium mucunoides) and Stylo (Stylosanthes macrocephala + Stylosanthes caweedstata)] managed under continuous stocking with sheep. Methods: The treatments consisted of four forage canopy heights (15, 30, 45 and 60 cm) in a randomised block design with four replicates, totalling 16 experimental units (paddocks). The following parameters were assessed: total herbage mass, proportion of botanical and morphological components in samples obtained by grazing simulation, nutritional value and digestibility of forage, animal performance, stocking rate, and animal productivity. Key results: Herbage mass was higher in taller pastures (45–60 cm; P < 0.0001). The proportion of legumes in herbage mass increased throughout the experimental period (P < 0.0001), and the highest proportion of legumes in the grazing simulation was observed in autumn (P < 0.0001). Pastures measuring 15 cm had a higher crude protein content (P < 0.0001), but the average daily weight gain was higher (P = 0.0404) in pastures maintained at 30 and 45 cm (100.3 and 87.4 ± 11.44 g/animal day−1, respectively). Stocking rate (P < 0.0001) and animal productivity (P = 0.0267) were lower in 60-cm pastures. Conclusion: Multispecies pastures of Aruana guineagrass combined with Macrotyloma, Calopo and Stylo forage legumes should be managed at 15–45 cm under continuous stocking. Implications: This study provides an option for combining forage species in intercropped tropical pastures, and indicates a range of pasture heights that will ensure animal productivity and pasture sustainability. Legumes fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, introducing it into pasture systems. The proportion of legumes in multispecies pastures formed by Aruana guineagrass and the three legumes (Macrotyloma, Calopo and Stylo) increased with time. Pastures managed at canopy heights from 15 to 45 cm resulted in high stocking rates and sheep productivity. This study indicates an option for combining forage species in intercropped tropical pastures, and identifies a range of pasture heights to ensure animal productivity and pasture sustainability.
- Subjects
RANGE management; ANIMAL diversity; ATMOSPHERIC nitrogen; NUTRITIONAL value; WEIGHT gain
- Publication
Animal Production Science, 2024, Vol 64, Issue 12, p1
- ISSN
1836-0939
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1071/AN23391