Crude protein content in Urochloa cultivars (Syn. Brachiaria) in exclusive pasture system or consorciated with Macrotyloma axillare cv. Guatá

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the crude protein content of Urochloa spp.cultivars (U. brizantha cv Marandu and U. decunbens cv. Basilisk), within a consortium systemwith Macrotyloma axillare cv Guatá. The experimental design was a completely randomized design,with four replications, in a factorial scheme (2 x 2), at which two types of grass (U. decumbensand U. brizantha) and two pasture types were studied (intercropped or exclusively fertilized with 60kg of nitrogen/ha) with repeated measures in time (samplings at two seasons of the year: February(summer) and August (winter)). Subsequently, samples were collected from a 2 m long PVC bar atfour points in each picket, and the forage cut close to the ground, with costal mowing coupled with0.5 m length hedge trimmer, each sample of 0.5 x 2.0 m, totalizing 1m2. The sampled material wasidentified, weighed and sent for analysis of crude protein to assess the contribution of leguminousin grass protein content. No significant differences were found when the type of grass versus type ofpasture interaction for the crude protein variable was met; however, significant differences were foundwhen evaluating the type of grass versus season interaction, at which the highest levels were foundwithin the month of February (summer), the same occurring for the interaction type of pasture versusseason of the year. It was concluded there were increases in crude protein content for U. decumbenscv. Basilisk and U. brizantha cv. Marandu when in consortium with M. axillare cv. Guatá in thesummer season.Keywords: Biological nitrogen. Forage. Forage quality. Leguminous.