Publication Date
1993
Description
Two regrowth cycles of an intensively managed Digitaria decumbens stand were studied. One followed high-stocked grazing by cows and their calves, and the other followed regrowth grazing by cows only. after weaning: Biomass, morphological composition, leaf area index and nitrogen were measured on 7 occasions between days O and 27 of growth. Residual biomass after the low grazing pressure (2403 kg DM/ha) was 4 times higher than after the high grazing pressure (633 kg DM/ha), mainly because more stems remained at the low grazing pressure (1220 kg DM/ha vs. 230 kg DM/ha). At both grazing pressures, growth of leaf and stem followed the same pattern as that reported in other cxperlments. Leaf accumulation followed a logistic function, with a reduced rate after 12 days, whereas stem accumulation began to increase. Live material availability was higher after the low grazing pressure (4250 kg DM/ha) than the high grazing pressure (3070 kg DM/ha), explained by different residuals and rates of accumulation of leaf and stem. Changes In grazing management recommendations can be made from these results.
Citation
Naves, M; Cruz, P; Malafosse, A; and Manteaux, J P., "Growth Kinetics of Digitaria decumbens after Defoliation by Cattle at Two Grazing Pressures" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 19.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session21/19
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Growth Kinetics of Digitaria decumbens after Defoliation by Cattle at Two Grazing Pressures
Two regrowth cycles of an intensively managed Digitaria decumbens stand were studied. One followed high-stocked grazing by cows and their calves, and the other followed regrowth grazing by cows only. after weaning: Biomass, morphological composition, leaf area index and nitrogen were measured on 7 occasions between days O and 27 of growth. Residual biomass after the low grazing pressure (2403 kg DM/ha) was 4 times higher than after the high grazing pressure (633 kg DM/ha), mainly because more stems remained at the low grazing pressure (1220 kg DM/ha vs. 230 kg DM/ha). At both grazing pressures, growth of leaf and stem followed the same pattern as that reported in other cxperlments. Leaf accumulation followed a logistic function, with a reduced rate after 12 days, whereas stem accumulation began to increase. Live material availability was higher after the low grazing pressure (4250 kg DM/ha) than the high grazing pressure (3070 kg DM/ha), explained by different residuals and rates of accumulation of leaf and stem. Changes In grazing management recommendations can be made from these results.
