Use of tanzania grass (Megathyrsus maximus, Jacq.), yield and nutritional value in three cutting frequencies in manglaralto, Santa Elena

Abstract

The introduction into the tropics of grasses such as Tanzania grass (Megathyrsus maximus) creates new possibilities for livestock. The objective of the work was to determine the potential of Tanzania grass to contribute to agrodiversity in livestock systems in Manglaralto, Santa Elena province. 291 livestock producers were surveyed, the data was processed through factorial and cluster analysis. An agronomic experiment was carried out that compared three cutting frequencies (30, 45, 60 days) distributed in a randomized block design with three replicates. Yield, ashes, ethereal extract, crude protein, crude fiber, nitrogen free extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, lignin and metabolizable energy were evaluated. The experimental data were processed by double classification ANOVA and Tukey's test was applied to compare means. Two main components were extracted that explained 81.8% of the total variability, factors that define the use and management of pasture was identified, which classified the farms into 3 groups. The Tanzania grass showed variability in the productive and nutritional responses according to cutting frequency, the dry matter yield increased with the decrease in cutting frequency; the indicators of chemical composition and metabolizable energy were depressed with the decrease in the cutting frequency while the fiber was increased. The best performance-nutritional quality balance was obtained at 45 days. The behavior of the Tanzania grass, in the environmental conditions of the area, indicate it as an alternative for the increase of agrodiversity, with a limited knowledge and use by farmers.