Anis, Selvie D. and Bagau, Betty and Malalantang, S. S.
(2023)
Predicting the enhancement carrying capacity of integrated Brachiaria humidicola and Indigofera zollingeriana pasture in coconut plantation.
Fundación CIPAV, Cali, Colombia.
Abstract
Brachiaria humidicola is one of tropical grasses well adapted grown under mature coconuts, but crude protein content lower than minimum requirement of ruminant diet. Herbaceous legume integrated as mixed pasture as source of protein failed to persist due to the aggressiveness of this grass. Tree legumes Indigofera zollingeriana, well adapted under shading in coconut plantation, available as an alternative source of protein. This research aimed to study the ability of this tree legume to provide leaves as a source of protein and dry matter which is in turn be able to enhance the carrying capacity of integrated pasture. Tree legume has been planted in different planting spacing (PS) as follows: PS1 = 100 x 100 cm, PS2 = 150 x 150 cm, PS3 = 200 x 200 cm, overlay on Brachiaria humidicola two weeks regrowth pasture after clearing cut. The research shows planting spacing PS2 of Indigofera zollingeriana results good morphological traits and dry weight of forages. Crude protein content of Indigofera zollingerina almost double higher than Brachiaria humidicola. From animal feeds point of view intake and digestibility coefficient o f crude protein of Brachiaria humidicola lower significantly compared Indigofera zollingerina and total digestible nutrients (TDN) as well. Each TDN solely of both forages could provide energy of cattle. In conclution, both forages in mixed pasture could be expected to provide feeds for more body weight of cattle or probably could enhance carrying capacity, but it has to be precisely elucidated in the field through grazing trials.
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