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Publication Date
1993
Location
New Zealand
Description
A 3-year grazing trial was conducted in Brazil, to relate changes in sward characteristics of B. decumbens and B. brizantha to animal live-weight gain (LWG). Three 1.5-ha paddocks of each grass species were stocked continuously with 3 steers, and additional grazers were added or removed as required to ensure similar grazing pressure in each treatment. Despite similar (P>0.85) annual average daily gains (ADO) of steers grazing both species, the ADO of steers grazing B. brizantha pasture was significantly (P<0.05) higher during the wet season, and significantly (P<0.05) lower in the dry period, when compared with those on B. decumbens. Annual LWG per area of both species were also similar (P>0.85). The best predictor of ADO was green dry matter available/ha. The major advantage of B. brizaml,a was that it is resistant to spittlebugs.
Citation
Euclides, V.P B.; Zimmer, A H.; and Oliveria, M P., "Evaluation of Brachiaria decumbens and Brachiaria brizantha Under Grazing" (1993). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 13.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session55/13)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Evaluation of Brachiaria decumbens and Brachiaria brizantha Under Grazing
New Zealand
A 3-year grazing trial was conducted in Brazil, to relate changes in sward characteristics of B. decumbens and B. brizantha to animal live-weight gain (LWG). Three 1.5-ha paddocks of each grass species were stocked continuously with 3 steers, and additional grazers were added or removed as required to ensure similar grazing pressure in each treatment. Despite similar (P>0.85) annual average daily gains (ADO) of steers grazing both species, the ADO of steers grazing B. brizantha pasture was significantly (P<0.05) higher during the wet season, and significantly (P<0.05) lower in the dry period, when compared with those on B. decumbens. Annual LWG per area of both species were also similar (P>0.85). The best predictor of ADO was green dry matter available/ha. The major advantage of B. brizaml,a was that it is resistant to spittlebugs.
