Ugarte, J. and Rabago, R. and Dominguez, G.H. and Rodriguez, T. (1976) Direct sowing of forage sorghum on pangola grass for milk production. Economical evaluation. Cuban Journal of Agricultural Science, 10 (3). pp. 259-265.
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Abstract
Twenty-two Holstein x Brahman cows were used to determine the pasture availability throughout the year and the milk production in the dry season (December-May) in 4.8 ha. of pangola grass, using a completely randomized block design to compare: (A) surplus grass ensiled during the wet season (June-November) and supplied in the dry season; (B) forage sorghum sown in 50% of the pangola grass area, for grazing in the dry period. The annual stocking rate was 4.6 cows/ha. The grass was fertilized with 600 kg of N/ha. and received 420mm of water supplied from December to May. Daily milk production/cow during the first 15 weeks of lactation did not differ between treatments (11.0 and 9.7 litres for A and B, respectively). DM availability was higher during the dry season (17.5 vs 11.8 t/ha.) and in the year (41.9 vs 36.0 t/ha.), for the direct sowing system, but did not differ in the wet season (24.4 vs 24.0 t/ha.). The economic evaluation showed a lower cost per unit of feed 4.2 vs 5.8 cents) and a higher production value/dollar spent (2.9 vs 2.1) for the direct sowing system. Its use is suggested in those areas having irrigation facilities and sown with pastures showing poor growth during the dry season.ADDITIONAL ABSTRACT:22 Holstein-Friesian X Brahman cows calving in the dry season, were used to determine pasture availability throughout the yr and milk production in the dry season (Dec.-May) on 4.8 ha of pangola grass. 2 grazing systems with 6 paddocks each were compared: (i) surplus grass ensiled during the wet season ready for use in the dry season and (ii) forage sorghum sown in 50% of the pangola grass area at the end of the wet season for grazing in the dry season. Stocking rate was 4.6 cows/ha. The grass was fertilized with 600 N/ha and received 420 mm water supplied from Dec. to May. There was no significant difference in daily milk yield between treatments during the 1st 15 wk of lactation (11.0 and 9.7 l. for (i) and (ii) respectively). DM availability was higher during the dry season and in the whole year for (ii) system, but did not differ between (i) and (ii) in the wet season. An economic comparison showed (ii) to be the most efficient system. Its use is suggested in areas with irrigation facilities and sown with pastures showing poor growth in the dry season
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Author Affiliation: | Instituto de Ciencia Animal, Apartado 24, San Jose de las Lajas, Habana, Cuba |
| Subjects: | Plant Production > Farming Systems Animal Husbandary |
| Divisions: | Sorghum |
| Depositing User: | Ms K Syamalamba |
| Date Deposited: | 24 Jul 2012 06:27 |
| Last Modified: | 24 Jul 2012 06:28 |
| URI: | http://eprints.icrisat.ac.in/id/eprint/6958 |
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