EFFECT OF IRRIGATION AND ANNUAL SEASONS ON THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND DIGESTIBILITY OF GRASSES UNDER GRAZING - DOI: 10.13083/1414-3984.v22n04a05

Resumo

The aim of the study was to evaluate the chemical composition and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of six grasses subjected to different irrigation depths and seasons. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized arrangement with two replications in a split-split plot design. The treatments included plots with six grasses (Xaraés, Mombaça, Tanzania, Pioneiro, Marandu and Estrela), six irrigation depths for the split-plots (0%, 18%, 45%, 77%, 100% and 120% of the reference value provided by the tensiometer), and two seasons as the split-split plots (autumn/winter and spring/summer). A line source sprinkler system was used for application of the irrigation depths. Crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and IVDMD were evaluated and obtained in accordance with literature. The factors studied affect the CP. However in the autumn/winter season the grasses presented differences in the NDF content, where Estrela presented the largest and Pioneiro the smallest NDF contents. The season and irrigation depths did not affect the NDF. Estrela grass presented the smallest IDVMD and the autumn/winter season resulted in greater digestibility for the grasses Xaraés, Mombaça and Tanzania only. The irrigation depths had an effect on some combinations of grasses and seasons.