African Journal of
Agricultural Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Agric. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1991-637X
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJAR
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 6902

Full Length Research Paper

Chemical composition of Urochloa brizantha depending on the seasons and cutting frequencies

José Augusto Velazquez Duarte
  • José Augusto Velazquez Duarte
  • Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Pedro Juan Caballero, Paraguay.
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Marco Antonio Previdelli Orrico Junior
  • Marco Antonio Previdelli Orrico Junior
  • Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados MS, Brasil.
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Nivaldo Passos de Azevedo Junior
  • Nivaldo Passos de Azevedo Junior
  • Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados MS, Brasil.
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Fernando Miranda de Vargas Junior
  • Fernando Miranda de Vargas Junior
  • Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados MS, Brasil.
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Denise Baptaglin Montagner
  • Denise Baptaglin Montagner
  • Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados MS, Brasil.
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Poliana Campos Burin
  • Poliana Campos Burin
  • Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados MS, Brasil.
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Gustavo Daniel Vega Britez
  • Gustavo Daniel Vega Britez
  • Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Pedro Juan Caballero, Paraguay.
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Marcos Arturo Ferreira Aguero
  • Marcos Arturo Ferreira Aguero
  • Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Pedro Juan Caballero, Paraguay.
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Nelson David Lesmo Duarte
  • Nelson David Lesmo Duarte
  • Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Pedro Juan Caballero, Paraguay.
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Wilfrido Meza Giménez
  • Wilfrido Meza Giménez
  • Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Pedro Juan Caballero, Paraguay.
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  •  Received: 10 December 2018
  •  Accepted: 21 June 2019
  •  Published: 31 August 2019

Abstract

The aim of this research was to assess the chemical composition of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piatã variety and to determine which cutting frequency is the most suitable for autumn, winter and spring. The experimental design adopted was the completely randomized in factorial scheme with plots subdivided in time. Each plot consisted of four cutting frequencies (21, 28, 35 and 42 days between cuts) and sub plots were the three seasons (autumn, winter and spring) with 12 replicates per treatment (experimental units). The assessed parameters were; crude protein content, neutral detergent fiber, lignin and in vitro organic matter digestibility. No significant differences were observed in crude protein content between the cutting frequencies of 21, 28 and 35 days for autumn and winter; only the cutting frequency of 42 days showed the lowest values. The cutting frequency of 35 days showed higher crude protein and digestible organic matter for autumn and winter. As for the spring season, the cutting frequency that showed higher production of crude protein and digestible organic matter was 28 days.

Key words: Animal nutrition, pastures, Brachiaria brizantha.