Abstract

STEINBERG, M.R. et al. Production and quality of Panicum coloratum L. deferred forage with two deferred period and three times of defolation. Agriscientia [online]. 2012, vol.29, n.1, pp.25-30. ISSN 1668-298X.

During winter the livestock production systems in subtropical areas of Argentina use deferred forage of native pasture or warm season grasses from the cumulative growth of the summer. The aim of this study was to determine dry matter production and percentage of leaves, stems, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, ash and digestibility of deferred forage of Panicum coloratum cv Verde. Two deferred periods were evaluated: total deferred (TD), forage accumulated since the spring regrowth and partial deferred (PD), forage accumulated from a cut in late December, and both with three cut dates: early (May), intermediate (July) and late (August). TD produced more dry matter but with a high proportion of stem and more fiber and less protein and ash percentages; while PD had less stem and more leaves and consequently higher percentage of protein and ash. It was concluded that Panicum coloratum is an appropriate fodder to defer only when it is used for a short deferred period and early time of use, because it presents values above 55% digestibility. At this moment Panicum coloratum has a minimum protein level to meet cattle requirements making nitrogen supplementation unnecesary.

Keywords : Panicum coloratum; Deferred period; Cutting date; Leaf and tall percentage; Quality.

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