Objective: To elaborate a proposal for a protein bank based on the floral preferences of melipon livestock in Cuban urban environments. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in two Cuban stingless bee farms, the first one located in Matanzas city, and the second one in Mayabeque. In order to elaborate the protein bank proposal, the results corresponding to the qualitative melissopalynological and palynological analyses of the honey, silage pollen and larval food substrates of the 24 hives selected for the study were analyzed. Results: The results concerning the pollen type found in the three analyzed substrates showed five plant species of interest for this livestock, which were included in the proposed protein bank. These were: Mimosa pudica L. and Psidium guajava L. as the main ones, Vachellia farnesiana (L.) Wight & Arn. and Mimosa pigra L., if they were previously present in the area of establishment of this one and finally Bursera simaruba (L.) Sarg. The preference of these bees for the Fabaceae family, which is characterized by its great diversity and floral abundance throughout the year, was striking. Conclusions: The proposal to create a protein bank from the floral preferences of meliponicultural livestock, guarantees the permanent and close supply of this trophic resource (pollen), to satisfy the nutritional protein needs of the hives throughout the year. This, in turn, contributes to reduce the thermal stress suffered by these bees due to the climate conditions of Cuba.
Objective: To evaluate the yield and nutritional value of Saccharum officinarum L. varieties in Corrientes, Argentina. Materials and Methods: Ten varieties of S. officinarum were evaluated at the Experimental Teaching Field of the School of Agricultural Sciences of the Northeast National University, in Corrientes. Several variables were analyzed: number of tillers and mature stems per linear meter, height and average individual weight of mature stems, radiation intercepted by the crop, ripening coefficient and nutrient content in the varieties. A complete randomized design was applied and analysis of variance and multiple comparison of means test (Tukey) were performed when there were significant differences among varieties. The statistical package InfoStat® was used. Results: No differences in yield were observed among the evaluated varieties. The average green biomass yield was 52 370 kg ha-1 and reached exceptional values up to 130 000 kg ha-1. The average dry biomass yield was 17 700 kg ha-1 and showed no differences between varieties. It reached average values of 32 000 kg ha-1 associated with the varieties FAM 05-662 and FAM 05-691. Nutritionally, there were no differences among varieties, except for crude protein and phosphorus contents. In vitro digestibility indices averaged 70,6 %, with total digestible nutrients of 78,0 % and digestible energy of 3,45 Mcal/kg dry matter. Conclusions: The varieties that showed promise for yields were FAM 05-662 and FAM 05-691. In addition, the latter had a high CP content (2,9 %). On average, digestibility was 70,6 %, total digestible nutrients 78,0 % and digestible energy 3,45 Mcal/kg dry matter. S. officinarum can be a viable option to improve animal production in the region, provided that the appropriate varieties are used.
Objective: To characterize the botanical composition of farms dedicated to goat production in the Southern Circuit of Cumanayagua, Cienfuegos, Cuba. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in six farms dedicated to goat breeding during the dry season. Ten rectangular subplots of 50 x 2 m (1 m on each side of the 50-m long line) were established in the grazing areas of the animals, which together represent one tenth of a hectare (0,1 ha = 1,000 m2). The location of the subplots was random and at 360 degrees within the study area. Results: A total of 23 families, 43 genera and 49 botanical species were counted during the research. The farm with the highest number of identified genera (25) and species (30) was Playa Fría; while Los Castillos, with 9 genera and 10 species, had the lowest number of taxonomic categories. The Fabaceae family showed the highest number of species with 14, followed by Boraginaceae and Malvaceae with 4. The botanical families present in all farms were Fabaceae and Poaceae; while Moringaceae, Lamiaceae, Rubiaceae and Sapotaceae are present in only one farm. Conclusions: The study carried out in six farms dedicated to goat breeding in the Southern Circuit of Cumanayagua, Cienfuegos, during the dry season, showed a remarkable botanical diversity. Although the farms are located in the same geographical sector, significant variations in botanical composition were observed among them.
Objective: To evaluate the potential of tree species for the development of silvopastoral technologies in animal husbandry areas in the Sibanicú municipality, Camagüey, Cuba. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted between February and March, 2024, at the La Quintina farm. An inventory of trees present for silvopastoral purposes was carried out, and air temperature, soil moisture, and the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) for livestock were determined. Results: Nineteen trees belonging to nine species and nine botanical families were observed, with Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr being the species that casts the most shade (between 300 and 568 m2). The air temperature ranged between 31,0 and 35,0 °C, always higher in areas under full sun (35 °C) than in shaded areas (31,0 °C). Both under the shade of the trees and in full sun, the THI was above 78. Conclusions: The strategic integration of trees in livestock systems provides multiple benefits by reducing heat stress in cattle, improving soil moisture retention, and enhancing drought resilience.
Objective: To evaluate the effect of including RELAC milk replacer at different growth stages on dry matter intake, crude protein, crude fiber and average daily gain in crossbred dairy calves. Materials and Methods: Forty-five crossbred dairy calves (Holstein × Zebu) aged 15 days and with an average live weight of 28,0 kg (± 2 kg) were randomly assigned to three treatments with 15 animals each. Treatment I (control) consisted of feeding Raltec Milk-17-1 until 90 days of age (weaning). Treatment II included Raltec Milk-17-1 until 60 days, followed by RELAC plus a whole diet until weaning. In treatment III, the animals received Raltec Milk-17-1 until 30 days of age and then switched to RELAC with a whole diet until 90 days of age. Both milk replacers were administered at a dose of 4 kg animal-1 day-1 divided into two feedings, with Raltec reconstituted at 100 g L-1 of water and RELAC at 120 g L-1. Live weight was determined every 15 days and ADG was obtained for each stage. Results: The results showed differences (p < 0,05) in daily dry matter, crude protein and crude fiber intake between the different experimental stages. However, no differences (p > 0,05) were observed in average daily gain (ADG) among treatments, although calves in treatment III had lower ADG between 30 and 60 days compared with groups I and II. Conclusions: The use of RELAC since 30 days of age did not negatively affect the productive performance of calves compared with conventional milk replacer (Raltec Milk-17-1), suggesting its viability as an alternative in calf feeding in dairy production systems.
Objective: To quantify methane emissions from the source of enteric fermentation of cattle on a farm in the Camagüey province, Cuba. Materials and Methods: Emissions of enteric CH4 from 11 milking dairy cows of the Siboney de Cuba (⅝Holstein x ⅜Cebú) species, belonging to the La Liliana farm in Camagüey, were calculated as a local contribution to the updating of the national GHG inventory, for the Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Uses (AFOLU) module. The 2006 guidelines recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) and the Tier 2 estimation method for the agriculture module were used. Results: Methane emissions from enteric fermentation of milking cows managed at the La Liliana farm in 2023 were 1 326,38 kg CH4/year (37 138,64 kg CO2-eq/year), which confirms it as a key subcategory within the National GHG Inventory for dairy cows. The main elements contributing to the high CH4 emissions were digestibility due to low diet quality, lactation and animal weight. Conclusions: The study on methane (CH4) emissions in Siboney de Cuba cows in the farm show that these emissions are significant and contribute substantially to the greenhouse gas inventory. This underlines the importance of considering dairy cows as a key subcategory in greenhouse gas mitigation
Objective: To evaluate the effect of various substrates composed of different soil combinations on leaf area development in Moringa oleifera Lam. and Cedrela fissilis Vell seedlings. Materials and Methods: The research was carried out at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, in Montes Claros, Brazil, under tropical savanna climate (Aw). M. oleifera seeds were sown without pretreatment; while C. fissilis seeds were hydrated 12 hours before. The experimental design included 12 treatments with different proportions of soil, organic matter and fertilizers, plus a commercial control, distributed in randomized blocks with four replications. Plants were grown in 170 cm³ conical containers, with controlled irrigation and initial shading. Physical and chemical indicators of the substrates were measured and leaf area was evaluated by digital image analysis with Image J. Results: The results showed significant differences among treatments for both species. In C. fissilis, substrates with cattle manure and combined fertilization (superphosphate + KCl) produced the largest leaf area (129 cm² in T10); while sewage sludge generated lower values (67-70 cm²). The commercial substrate (Bioplant Plus) had the lowest performance (14,3 cm²). On the other hand, M. oleifera showed its largest leaf area (8,2 cm²) in substrates with manure and simple superphosphate (T2), but did not respond favorably to the addition of KCl. The commercial substrate showed moderate results in this species (52,8 cm²). Conclusion: Substrate composition significantly influenced leaf development of the evaluated seedlings, with differentiated responses among species. C. fissilis benefited more from the use of cattle manure and mineral fertilization combined; while M. oleifera performed better with manure and superphosphate without KCl. Sewage sludge was less effective for C. fissilis, and locally formulated mixtures outperformed commercial substrate for both species, suggesting more effective and sustainable alternatives for forest nurseries under similar conditions.
Objective: To evaluate the effect of the efficient microorganism ME-50 on the rooting and survival of the agricultural seed of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray. Materials and Methods: The effect of three conditioning times with ME-50 was evaluated: 0 hours (control), 24 and 48 hours. During the study, sprouting was carefully monitored during the first 14 days, while morphological quality of shoots and roots was systematically evaluated at 14, 28 and 42 days after planting. Results: The conditioning of cuttings with ME-50 had a significant positive effect on the vegetative development of the species. Cuttings treated with the biostimulant showed a faster and more abundant shoot emission compared to the control group, with the 48-hour conditioning treatment standing out as the most effective. As for the root system, a particular development pattern was observed. Although initially there was a delay in root emission in the treated cuttings, after 42 days they significantly outperformed the control in both root length and root density, especially in the 48-hour treatment. Conclusions: The use of ME-50 represents an effective strategy for the improvement of vegetative propagation of T. diversifolia and 48-hour conditioning was the most recommended protocol. The initial delay in root development did not compromise the final results, as it was compensated by a more vigorous growth in the medium term.
Objective: To evaluate the effect of partial substitution of commercial feeds by silages of Coffea arabica husk and Saccharum officinarum L top on milk productivity of dual-purpose cows in the Comunera province of the Santander department-Colombia. Materials and Methods: Two experiments were carried out, in two locations, under Urochloa humidicola (Rendle) Morrone & Zuloaga grazing conditions. At location 1, 50 % of commercial feed was replaced by Coffea arabica husk silage. Two treatments were established: T1: grazing + balanced feed (2 kg/cow/day), T2: grazing + balanced feed (1 kg/cow/day) + C. arabica husk silage (3 kg/cow/day). In location 2, supplementation with S. officinarum silage was replaced by C. arabica husk silage in equal amounts. The treatments were: T1) grazing + balanced feed (3 kg/cow/day) + S. officinarum top silage (7 kg/cow/day) and T2) grazing + balanced feed (3 kg/cow/day) + coffee husk silage (7 kg/cow/day). A replicated crossover design was used, with 12 dual-purpose cows in each location. The nutritional composition of the feed supply was determined. Dry matter intake was estimated and milk production and composition, including milk fat, milk protein, total solids and urea nitrogen, were measured. The information was processed by analysis of variance and Tukey’s mean comparison test was applied to identify significant differences between treatments. Results: The estimation of total dry matter intake did not show differences in any location (p > 0,05). In location 1, there was no statistical difference for the milk production variable, but there was for fat content (4,3 vs. 4,7 % for T1and T2, respectively). In locality 2, the treatment that included C. arabica husk silage showed higher fat-corrected milk production (1 kg plus), 60, 20 and 50 g/day more milk fat, protein and total solids, respectively per cow compared with those that consumed S. officinarum top silage (p < 0,05). Conclusions: Silage with C. arabica husk allowed higher productive performance in animals, which makes it possible to increase the productivity of the dairy sector while valorizing residues from the industry of this crop.
Objective: To determine the ecological indexes of the edaphic macrofauna in five agroecosystems of grasslands in Granma province, Cuba. Materials and Methods: Sampling was carried out twice a year: rainy and dry season, from July, 2014 to March, 2017. The edaphic macrofauna was collected according to the methodology proposed by the Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility (TSBF) program. Ecological indices species richness, Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’), Simpson index (λ) Berguer-Parker dominance index (d) and community coefficient were calculated. Results: The richness of taxonomic units was variable in the evaluated periods and agroecosystems. In all agroecosystems, the order with the highest number of taxonomic units was Hymenoptera with 12 units in the Pasture Station. It was followed by El Triángulo and Ojo de agua, with 11 and 10, respectively. It was not possible to establish the pattern of abundance of edaphic macrofauna in either climate period, except in the Ojo de agua and Pasture Station pastures, where this variable was higher in the dry season than in the rainy season. In the dry period of the second year, there was greater macrofaunal diversity than in the rainy period in all pastures. The highest similarity was recorded in the Ojo de agua and El Progreso pastures (0,63) and with the Pasture Station (0,60). Conclusions: In the studied grassland agroecosystems, the ecological indices of edaphic macrofauna showed heterogeneous performance in the rainy and dry seasons.
Objective: To evaluate forage yield and nutritional quality of two varieties of Elymus scabrifolius (Döll) J. H. Hunz and four varieties of Thinopyron ponticum (Podp.) Bartworth et Dewey on a soil without salinity and alkalinity problems, and on an alkaline saline soil in the central semiarid region of Argentina. Materials and Methods: T. ponticum (elongated wheatgrass, AA; varieties Pucará, Hulk, Barpiro and a local variety, seed identified) and E. scabrifolius (Creole wheatgrass, AC; varieties FA UNLPam and Don Alberto INTA) were evaluated on two types of soils: without limitation by salinity or alkalinity and sodic saline soil. Two trials were conducted at the Anguil National Institute of Agricultural Technology, according to a split-plot design, the main plot being the soil type and the sub-plots, the varieties. Forage production was evaluated per cut, per year and over a three- year period. Forage nutritional quality was determined at two times of the year (autumn and spring). Results: There was no interaction between soil type and variety or differences between varieties in total accumulated forage production during the period. The total accumulated forage production during the evaluated period in the saline-alkaline soil was reduced between 40,0 and 50,0 % compared with that of the soil without salinity-alkalinity limitations. In the two varieties of E. scabrifolius, crude protein in the silvopastoral system was 38,0 %, lower with regards to the soil without limitation by salinity or alkalinity. Meanwhile, in T. ponticum, crude protein was 48,0 % lower in the sodic saline soil, this being the reason for the interaction. In both varieties of E. scabrifolius, 9,0 % more neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was observed at the autumn cutting date with respect to the spring cutting date in the saline-alkaline soil, as well as a significantly higher NDF percentage. Conclusions: The results showed the ability to implant and produce forage of both species in saline and alkaline environments. Forage nutritional quality was affected by salinity-alkalinity. In general, fiber content increased and crude protein decreased.
Objective: To evaluate the foliage quality of five cultivars of Manihot esculenta Crantz during the annual growing cycle of the crop in northeastern Argentina. Materials and Methods: Five cultivars of M. esculenta and four cutting times (February, May, September and December) were evaluated. The experimental design was completely randomized with a 5 x 4 factorial arrangement and three replicas. The experimental plots were 5 x 5 m, with 11 rows and 11 plants per row, spaced 0,5 m apart. Digestibility, crude protein and dry matter were determined from the samples obtained from each cutting. Results: For all evaluated variables, there was interaction between cultivars and cutting time (p < 0,001). The digestibility of the cultivars was higher than 50,0 %, practically all the productive cycle. In February, the lowest digestibility percentages were recorded for all cultivars, with an average of 47,0 %. In the last two cuts, the average reached 60,0 % digestibility. Crude protein content was above 20,0 %, with variations among cultivars and cutting times. Dry matter content of the genotypes varied with cutting time. Most cultivars had lower values in February and September than in May and December. Conclusion: The results show remarkable mobility in variables related to nutritional quality of M. esculenta among different cutting dates and cultivars. Digestibility is closely linked to tissue age. Of all the cultivars, Paraguaya Cerro Azul (CV1) showed the lowest digestibility at most cutting dates.
Objectives: To evaluate the changes in the organic carbon stocks in a Vertisol pelic mulched soil under Mangifera indica L. grove with Paspalum notatum Flüggé grassland in the Campo Florido to Jaruco pediplain, Mayabeque province, Cuba. Materials and Methods: The research was based on the characterization and diagnosis of a soil profile in 2006. Two soil profiles with different management conditions were selected and duplicate sampling was carried out to determine the organic carbon contents by the method of cutting cylinders of 100 cm3, in 2020. Organic matter was quantified by the Walkley and Black wet combustion method. The comparison between both samplings allowed obtaining organic carbon gains or losses in the soil. Results: Soil organic carbon gains after fourteen years under conserved conditions were +0,43; +0,21; +0,14 Mg ha-1 yr-1. Losses under continued cultivation for ten years showed values of -0,64; -1,40; -1,92 Mg ha-1 yr-1 for the 0-10, 0-20 and 0-30 cm layers of the top soil thickness, respectively. According to management, under conserved conditions, the accumulation of organic matter and organic carbon in the prismatic blocks was higher on the surface with regards to the inner part. However, under agricultural conditions, the concentrations resulted lower and reached the same value on the surface as in the inner part. Conclusions: As in the case of Ferralitic and Brown soils, organic carbon stocks in Vertisols decrease due to continued cultivation, which in turn leads to deterioration of their properties.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the application of three strains of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the morphophysiological development of Glycine max (L.) Merr. cultivar Incasoy 27 in a typical reddish Brown Fersiallitic soil in the Amancio Rodriguez municipality, Las Tunas province, Cuba. Materials and Methods: On a typical reddish Brown Fersiallitic soil, an experiment was carried out under field conditions. The research was developed in the period from September to December, 2020. A randomized block design with five treatments and four replicas was used to set up the experiment. The treatments were: absolute control, NPK and mycorrhizal strains INCAM 4, INCAM 11 and INCAM 2. Plant height and stem diameter were evaluated during the vegetative cycle of the crop. Results: There were significant differences between treatments for the variable stem diameter. The G. max plants with the highest diameters corresponded to the treatments with NPK fertilization and with the mycorrhizal strain INCAM 11, with no significant differences between them, and with average diameters above 4 cm. The highest confidence intervals between the comparisons of the treatments appeared when comparing the control with regards to the treatment INCAM 11. For the variable stem diameter, the confidence intervals at 60 days after germination (DAG) for each of the treatments widened with respect to the intervals in the evaluations carried out at 30 DAG. This showed increased phenotypic variability of that trait in the plants of each of the treatments at that crop age. Conclusions: The application of arbuscular mycorrhizogenic fungal strains positively influenced the morpho-physiological indicators evaluated in G. max, which allows to decrease the use of mineral fertilizers in this crop.
Objective: To characterize the agro-productive situation of farms in the Mayabeque province, Cuba. Materials and Methods: The research was carried out in the Mayabeque province. It covered 57 farms in the San José de las Lajas, Güines, Nueva Paz, Madruga, Batabanó and Jaruco municipalities. The participatory action research methodology (PAR) was applied. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection and analysis of relative frequency distribution for the studied variables was applied. Results: Thirty-six cultivated agricultural species were identified. Of these, 27 are in high demand in markets or for animal feeding. With regards to training in the use of biofertilizers, 56,0 % of the farmers have participated in some type of training; while 47,0 % have not received training. There was a significant preference for the use of organic fertilizers (83,6 %) and mineral fertilizers (81,8 %). Most farmers (85,0 %) use irrigation systems compared with those practicing rainfed agriculture (15,0 %). The main identified challenges include pests and diseases, lack of herbicides, shortage of chemical fertilizers and organic fertilizers, soil fertility, labor, and lack of incentives for production and marketing. Conclusions: The research highlights the need for innovation and training in sustainable agricultural practices, which was evidenced by the lack of knowledge in the use of green manures, organic fertilizers and biofertilizers. This finding shows the importance of strengthening education and adopting technologies that promote the efficient use of natural resources and environmental sustainability.
Objective: To characterize the production dynamics and nutritional value of fresh and dry leaf biomass resulting as agricultural residue from root production of Manihot esculenta Crantz. Materials and Methods: The experimental site was the Experimental Field of the School of Agricultural Sciences of the National Northeast University in Corrientes, Argentina. The evaluated cultivars were Verde Santa Ana, Amarilla Marcelo, Palomita, Blanca de Santa Catarina, Rocha, Ramada Paso and Yerutí, each of which constituted a treatment and were distributed in randomized complete blocks with three replicas. Sampling was carried out at seven times during the 18 months of the crop cycle and in each instance the fresh and dry biomass of leaves, crude protein content and digestibility of the samples were determined. Analysis of variance and separation of means by Duncan’s test (0,05 %) were performed. Results: Average dry biomass production was 649 kg ha-1 and varied among harvest times, with significant reductions during the winter break. Average fresh and dry leaf biomass production at 18 months statistically exceeded all other samplings (p ≤ 0,0001) and reached values of 5 390,9 and 1 240 kg ha-1, respectively. Crude protein percentages and digestibility varied significantly over time, with averages of 22,5 and 47,4 %, respectively. Conclusion: The results showed a significantly higher production of fresh and dry biomass during the months of active growth, while production was significantly reduced during winter. In addition, there were variations in crude protein concentration and leaf biomass digestibility during the experiment. The studies contribute to the understanding of biomass production dynamics in M. esculenta. These findings may have implications for the improvement of sustainable agricultural practices and the development of new feedstuffs derived from this plant for animal production.
Objective: To analyze the effect of the thermal treatment of five hours of exposure to 50 °C in winter sowing on morphological traits and yield components in seeds of seven cultivars of Glycine max (L.) Merrill. Materials and Methods: The trial was carried out in experimental plots of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding of the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences in the Mayabeque province, Cuba. Variables related to plant emergence were evaluated as the main criterion for the evaluation of the effect of seed treatment ten days after sowing. Plant height, number of branches and height of the first pod were determined. During physiological maturity, yield components were evaluated: number of pods per plant, number of grains per pod and mass of grains. From these yield components, the yield in tons per hectare was estimated. All evaluated variables were subjected to factorial analysis and the means of the interactions and treatments were compared by Tukey's test (p ≤ 0,05). Results: The thermotherapeutic treatment of five hours of exposure to 50 °C increased the number of plant emergence per linear meter (93,0 and 74,3 % of plants planted with treated and untreated seeds, respectively). It did not affect final plant growth and number of branches, neither were yield components affected, and significantly increased final yield per hectare compared with the control (2,8 and 2,2 t/ha). Conclusions: The treatment of five hours of exposure to 50 °C improved plant emergence per linear meter of the cultivars under study in winter sowing, which ensured higher potentially productive population per unit area. The treatment did not affect any of the characters of plant development and growth; as well as the yield components evaluated in the different cultivars of G. max, and increased the yield of all the studied cultivars.
Objective: To characterize the floristic biodiversity of a farm of the southern circuit in Cumanayagua, Cienfuegos province, Cuba. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on a farm in Cumanayagua municipality, Cienfuegos province. The soil corresponds to the Brown type, without carbonate, typical red rendzina subtype (XIII A). The biodiversity monitoring methodology was applied with the use of transects designed from satellite photos. All flora species were surveyed and indices of relative abundance, origin, endemism and invasive potential were determined. Floristic biodiversity was characterized and biodiversity indicators (specific richness (S), Margalef’s diversity index and Simpson’s dominance) were evaluated. Results: The farm has a total area of 67,1 ha, of which 38,6 % is under active exploitation. The main use includes miscellaneous crops (8,9 %), silvopasture (61,4 %) and animal husbandry (7,5 %). A total of 215 individuals and 321 species were identified, with a Margalef diversity index of 5,45. Simpson’s dominance was 0,01, indicating the absence of significant dominance. Simpson’s diversity index was 0,99, classified as high. The most represented families were Fabaceae (9,6 %), Malvaceae (6,5 %) and Cyperaceae (6,2 %). Six unique species were found, each belonging to a different botanical family. These unique species showed the floristic richness and genetic variability of the area. Conclusion: The ecosystem shows high biodiversity and species diversity, with low dominance of any particular species. These characteristics are desirable and suggest that the ecosystem is robust and healthy, with good capacity to resist environmental changes and maintain its ecological functionality.
Objective: To evaluate the benefits of inoculation of Canavalia ensiformis (L.) with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobia in biomass production of Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone cv. Cuba CT-169, fertilized with medium doses of mineral nitrogen. Materials and Methods: The research was carried out in a low-fertility soil of the Technical Scientific Basic Unit Soils, Barajagua, Cienfuegos, Cuba. A randomized block design was applied, with six treatments and three replicas: T1) C. ensiformis + C. purpureus CT-169, T2) C. ensiformis + C. purpureus CT-169 50 % N, T3) C. ensiformis + AMF + C. purpureus CT-169 50 % N, T3) C. ensiformis + AMF + rhizobia + C. purpureus CT-169 +50 % N, T4) C. purpureus CT-169 50 % N, T5) C. purpureus CT-169 100 % N and T6) C. purpureus CT-169. C. ensiformis was intercropped 20 days after the CT-169 leveling cut. At 60 days, it received a first cut and was deposited between the furrows for decomposition. The regrowth of C. ensiformis was allowed to grow for 65 days, to coincide with the 145 days of CT-169. At this time, the final cut was made to both species. Total biomass production was calculated in the treatments combining CT-169 and canavalia, for which both species were weighed independently and the percentage corresponding to the contribution of canavalia was determined. In the rest of the treatments, only the biomass of CT-169 was calculated. At the time of cutting, the height of CT-169 was measured, as well as the length and width of the fourth leaf. Subsequently, leaf area and total biomass production were calculated. Results: The morpho-physiological indicators of treatments T5 and T6 differed from the others, with extreme values (high and low), respectively. Between treatments T3 and T4, there were no differences in stem diameter, length and width of the fourth leaf and leaf area. Regarding biomass production, treatment T5 reached the highest production with significant differences compared with the others, followed by treatment T3. In the treatments where C. purpureus CT-169 was associated with C. ensiformis, the legume constituted between 14,7 and 18,1 % of the total biomass production, respectively. Conclusions: With the application of 100 % mineral nitrogen to C. purpureus CT-169, better yield was achieved in terms of the morphophysiological indicators as well as biomass production. In addition, the inclusion of C. ensiformis improved the forage quality, due to the protein contribution of the legume.
Objective: To characterize the production per area unit of Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B.K. Simon & S.W.L. Jacobs and Urochloa decumbens (Stapf) R.D. Webster in a rational Voisin grazing system with goats in Manabí, Ecuador. Materials and Methods: The total study area was 0,22 ha, divided into eleven quarters of each pasture, with a stocking rate of 12 adult goats, water ad libitum and supplementation with nutritional blocks. The treatments were: T1) M. maximus and T2) U. decumbens. Data were analyzed with general linear and mixed models. A randomized complete block design was applied, with a significance level of 0,05 (Tukey) and the R program was used. During the dry season of 2022, green forage production/ha, days of recovery and remnant were measured. Results: In green forage production/ha there were differences (p= 0,0068) and M. maximus pasture obtained the best yields (11 800 kg). This same grass showed the shortest resting time (56 days). Differences (p= 0,0036) were recorded for remnant. The highest average was reached in M. maximus (3 700 kg). Conclusions: M. maximus and U. decumbens showed high green forage production per area unit in the rational Voisin grazing system with goats, although M. maximus obtained higher yields, better recovery and higher remnant during the evaluation
