Author(s): COSTA, N. de L.; MAGALHAES, J. A.; PEREIRA, R. G. de A.; CARVALHO, F. C. de; TOWNSEND, C. R.

Summary: The weight gains, yield, and the quality of Andropogon gayanus cv were evaluated in a yellow Latosol of the experimental field of the Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (Embrapa-Rondônia), Porto Velho (96.3 m.a.s.l, 8graus 46' South latitude and 63graus 5' West longitude). Planaltina was submitted to different animal stocking rates (6, 12 and 18 sheeps/ha) Each treatment consisted on a variable area (lot) according to the animal stocking rate, evaluated in a continuous grazing system. Male sheared sheep, 5-7 months old, with an average initial weight between 19 and 20 k, were weighed every 28 days. During the dry season, the better gain of animal live weight (44.2 g/day) was found in the 12 sheep/ha stocking vs. the high load of 18 sheep/ha (25 g/day). In the rainy season, these gains were, respectively, 47 and 17 g/day. After 10-month evaluations, it was found that the most appropriate animal stocking rate was 12 sheep/ha; higher loads presented a significant reduction in the daily gain of live weight and in the pasture DM yield.

Publication year: 2006

Types of publication: Journal article

Unit: Embrapa Rondônia

Keywords: Carga animal, Ovino, Pastagem