Premium
PRODUCTIVITY OF TROPICAL PASTURES
Author(s) -
Blydenstein J.,
Louis S.,
Toledo J.,
Camargo A.
Publication year - 1969
Publication title -
grass and forage science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.716
H-Index - 56
eISSN - 1365-2494
pISSN - 0142-5242
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2494.1969.tb01065.x
Subject(s) - pasture , forage , herd , grazing , agronomy , dry season , zoology , productivity , humid subtropical climate , biology , environmental science , agroforestry , ecology , medicine , pathology , economics , macroeconomics
A 60‐cow dairy herd was pastured throughout one year on unfertilized Guineagrass pastures in the humid tropical environment of Turrialba, Costa Rica. During part of this time, the producing herd was followed by dry cows in the rotation. Information was collected on monthly grazing pressure, forage digestibility and consumption, and milk yields. The average number of animal units (375 kg) over the year amounted to 1.06/ha. Forage consumption varied from 2.27–3.45 kg DM/ 100 kg liveweight, and consisted of 75% Guinea grass in the mixed pasture. Digestibility varied from 47.9–65.0%. Low consumption and digestibility coincided with the short drier season. Efficiency of DM conversion was about 13% with one high and one low value, interpreted as use and accumulation, respectively, of body reserves during those periods. Calculations of the N balance in Guineagrass pastures are given.