Animal Performance and Pasture Characteristics of \u3cem\u3eBrachiaria decumbens\u3c/em\u3e Stapf., \u3cem\u3eGliricidia sepium\u3c/em\u3e (Jacq.) Steud, and \u3cem\u3eMimosa caesalpiniifolia\u3c/em\u3e Benth. in Silvipastoral Systems

Abstract

Grasslands are the major source of feed for ruminants (Zanine 2005). Seasonality of production, however, is a constraint in forage-based systems. Silvopastoril systems combine different components (animals, trees, and forages) into one integrated system and may improve forage distribution across seasons. Resource use is usually more efficient both spatially and temporally, increasing land use efficiency (Nair 1993). Tree legumes present potential for silvopastoril systems because they can fix N from the atmosphere, improve cattle diet, and lead to a faster N cycle. In addition, trees provide shade and may reduce heat stress for grazing animals in warm-climate grasslands. Legume trees are commonly found in warm-season climates and present potential for use in silvopastoril systems. This research studied the animal performance and pasture characteristics of signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens Stapf.) in pure stand or in silvopastoril systems with Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud or Mimosa caesalpinifolia Benth