Abstract

GAVIRIA, Xiomara; RIVERA, J.E  and  BARAHONA, R. Nutritional quality and fractionation of carbohydrates and protein in the forage components of an intensive silvopastoral system. Pastos y Forrajes [online]. 2015, vol.38, n.2, pp.194-201. ISSN 0864-0394.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional quality of the forage components of a SPSi based on Leucaena leucocephala associated to improved pastures, as well as its biomass production. The forage production was determined at several moments of the year and the nutritional quality was evaluated through the Cornell model. The soluble protein proportion (fraction A) was similar between the grasses and L. leucocephala, and represented as minimum 34 % of the total protein. The proportion of protein B2 (intermediate degradation) of the legume was higher than that of the grasses (53,7 vs. 30,2 %, respectively). Protein B3 of the diet (slow degradation) was around 22 % of the total protein, and more than 71 % of it can be considered degradable in rumen. L. leucocephala showed a higher concentration of soluble carbohydrates (16,7 %) and lower quantity of fraction B2 (14,94 %) than the grasses. Concerning the biomass availability, a production of 19,26 t DM/ha year-1 was reached. It is concluded that in SPSis a high quantity of quality forage is produced throughout the year, and that this offer is sufficient to cover the requirements of ruminants.

Keywords : Cynodon plectostachyus; Leucaena leucocephala; Megathyrsus maximus; silvopastoral systems.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )