LAMELA, L et al. Milk production from an association of Leucaena leucocephala, Morus alba and Pennisetum purpureum CT-115 with irrigation. []. , 33, 3, pp. 1-1. ISSN 0864-0394.

In the dairy unit "El Rancho" of the Citrus Fruit Firm "Victoria de Girón" of the Jagüey Grande municipality, in Matanzas province, Cuba, a study was conducted in order to determine milk production in an association of the grass Pennisetum purpureum CT-115 with the forage trees Leucaena leucocephala and Morus alba, with irrigation. Moderate-potential cows (Holstein x Zebu) from the high-production group, which had access to the system until 150 days of lactation, were used. A multiplicative model was used to analyze the milk production with lactation curve effect; the following variables were analyzed: production two-month period, season and number of lactations; and dry matter availability was measured. The dry matter offer in the area of association was higher than 30 kg DM/animal/rotation as average during the evaluation period, and there were differences between the seasons. The highest results were obtained in July-August and the lowest in January-February and March-April, with significant differences (P<0,01); while the milk production was 10,0 and 9,9 kg/cow/day for the third and fourth lactation, respectively. Total incomes of 312 668,81 pesos and a cost/benefit ratio of 3,60 pesos produced for each peso spent were achieved. The results suggest that the association system with ligneous plants under livestock production farm conditions, allows moderate-potential cows having acceptable milk production levels, in addition to maintaining good dry matter availability of the pastureland, as well as favorable economic indicators.

: Leucaena leucocephala; milk production; Morus alba; Pennisetum purpureum.

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