Abstract

REYES-PEREZ, JJ et al. Chemical composition, digestibility and performance of Brachiaria decumbens at different ages of recovery. Biotecnia [online]. 2022, vol.24, n.2, pp.84-93.  Epub May 19, 2023. ISSN 1665-1456.  https://doi.org/10.18633/biotecnia.v24i2.1606.

The objective of the study was to determine the chemical composition, digestibility and yield of Brachiaria decumbens at different regrowth ages. The times were; little rainy (January-April) and rainy (July-October). The treatments (regrowth ages: 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 105 days) were distribu-ted in a randomized block design with four replications. The dry matter (DM) presented higher values (p≤0.01), at 60 days with 6.05 and 1.83 t DM ha-1 for the rainy and dry season. The crude protein (p≤0.01) at both periods was reflected at 30 days, 11.82% for the rainy season and 12.28% for the dry season. The digestibility showed the highest percentages (p≤0.001) at 30 days in rains and little rains, with 57.9 and 61.13%. The chemical composition, digestibility and yield of Brachiaria decumbens were directly influenced by the different regrowth ages, increasing the production of the plant and decreasing its quality. Quadratic and cubic regression equations (coefficients greater than 0.72) were obtained, which established a close relationship with age and performance indicators, chemical composition and digestibility.

Keywords : digestibility of organic matter; grasses; acid detergent lignin; hemicellulose.