<b>Characterization of grass and extrusa from Girolanda heifers grazing on <em>Brachiaria decumbens</em> pasture, under different stocking rates</b> - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v33i2.9379

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of the grass and extrusa from Girolanda heifers, under three stocking rates on grass pasture of Brachiaria decumbens Stapf., at different evaluation periods. Six Girolanda heifers were used, and treatments consisted of different stocking rates (2, 4 and 6 UA). Each block was formed by three paddocks. The design was a randomized blocks design in split-plot with repeated measures over time. The bite rate of the animals varied according to assessment period, with values of 41 bites min. ^-1 (Period 1) and 33 bites min. ^-1 (Period 3). Bite rate decreased over the grazing period, with values from 41 to 33 bit min^-1. Bite size was larger in grazing periods 2 and 3, at the stocking rate of 2 UA (0.40 and 0.43 g DM bite^-1). Extrusa dry matter was higher in the third (15.0% DM) and second (17.4% DM) days of grazing. An increase in crude protein content of extusa occurred in the third grazing period (14.4%) and for total neutral detergent fiber (75.3%).