Root dry matter mass and distribution of Florico grass under different grazing strategies

<div><p>Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the variations in root dry matter mass (RDM) and the percentage distribution (PD) of the root density of Florico grass (Cynodon nlemfuensis) in the 0-40-cm soil layer, when managed under different grazing strategies. Two defoliation frequencies (90 and 95% light interception, as the criterion for allowing animals in the paddock) and two defoliation severities (post-grazing heights of 20 or 30 cm) were assessed. Four seasonal evaluations of the root system were performed between the winter of 2012 and the autumn of 2013, using the monolith and trench excavation technique, collecting 1-dm3 samples from soil surface down to a depth of 40 cm, in four sequential extracts of 10 cm each. Lower RDM values (0.69 g dm-3) were obtained in winter, with the four grazing strategies, whereas higher values were observed in spring (1.64 g dm-3), for the 30-cm post-grazing residue, and in autumn (1.63 g dm-3) for the 20 cm post-grazing residue, regardless of the light interception value. Between 52 and 66% of the RDM density was observed in the 10-cm layer, for all four grazing strategies, in all seasons.</p></div

Milled legume grain as urease source for the ammonization of elephant grass hay

<div><p>Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the use of soybean (Glycine max), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), and jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) as urease sources for elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) hay ammoniated with urea. The experimental design was completely randomized in a double factorial arrangement with one additional treatment: 4 urease source levels x 3 urease sources + 1 control. Chemical-bromatological analyses and carbohydrate fractionation were performed in the hay, and cumulative gas production in vitro was determined. There were interactions between urease level and source for neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber, in which 1 and 2% jack bean lowered acid detergent fiber values, and 2% jack bean and 3% soybean reduced lignin content. The addition of milled legume grains reduces fiber components and increases non protein nitrogen content in elephant grass hay ammoniated with urea. Adding 4% milled soybean increases gas production in the soluble fraction.</p></div