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With the purpose of evaluating the productive potential of Panama Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum PI 300-086) silage, an experiment was conducted using nine Holstein x Zebu cows, weighing 418 kg, to determine the effects of three levels of supplementation on milk production and silage intake. The levels were: 0 (T0), 1.5 (T1.5) and 2.5 (T2.5) kg of fresh material/cow/day; the supplement consisted of a mixture of blackstrap molasses with 2% urea and 10% fishmeal. The pasture was fertilized with 100 kg N/ha/year and was harvested for ensiling 90 days after the last cut. The silage was made with no additives and an aboveground trench-type silo was used. The silo was opened after 60 days and, based on organoleptic characteristics and a pH of 3.7, the silage was judged as having good qualities. Its dry matter and crude protein contents were 18.4% and 6.7%, respectively. The statistical design was a switch-back type and the main evaluation parameter was represented by a milk production persistency index. Ad libitum silage intakes were 46.3 (T0), 44.1 (T1.5) and 31.8 (T2.5) kg of fresh material/cow/day. Based on the lactation persistency indexes, it was found that the difference between T0 and the treatments with supplements was significant (P<0.05). No statistical difference was found between T1.5 and T2.5. The presented study confirms that there is no need for additives in order to obtain silage of good characteristics from Panama Elephant grass, it is concluded that this silage is consumed satisfactorily and at levels that are superior to those corresponding to other tropical grass silages. It is also concluded that the efficient use of this silage for dairy cows requires small amounts of a supplement rich in energy and protein thus making it possible to achieve a significant increment in milk production in the dry season.
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Digital revista |
| Language: | spa |
| Published: |
Instituto de Innovación Agropecuaria de Panamá
1980
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| Online Access: | http://www.revistacienciaagropecuaria.ac.pa/index.php/ciencia-agropecuaria/article/view/563 |
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