Consumption, digestibility and cattle condition according to forage composition and quality in maize-cattle from conservation-based agroecosystems

Nutrient dynamics of corn fed to livestock in conservation-based agroecosystems in neotropical savannas

“…The area presents bi-seasonal climate patterns which include a dry period from November to May and a rainy period from June to October. Total annual precipitation ranges from 950 to 1300 mm, while monthly average temperatures range between 26 ºC and 30 ºC (RAMÍREZ-IGLESIAS et al 2020).…”

“…We worked with a total of 36 weaned mixed-breed Criollo Limonero calves with a predominance of the Zebu breed, which meant 16 calves (n=16) for each introduced ground cover plant and 4 calves (n=4) in the control paddock (NS). Two weeks prior to introducing the calves into the paddocks, the animals were vaccinated and dewormed and underwent a period of adaptation to the available forages and to the electric fences placed in the trial paddocks as barriers between the separate treatments (RODAS- GONZÁLEZ et al 2006, RAMÍREZ-IGLESIAS et al 2020.…”

“…The mineral content of forages can be affected by various factors such as forage species, phenological stage, climate and seasonal conditions, soil type, fertilization, and the presence of antagonistic elements (RAJKUMAR et al 2012, BALAREZO et al 2017, RAMÍREZ-IGLESIAS et al 2020. Their biological availability depends on the mineral source and interactions between the different elements that make up the animal's diet, which can limit their absorption and predispose them to imbalances, although the soil and forage content are appropriate (McDOWELL & ARTHINGTON 2005).…”

“…Therefore, in addition to increasing the amounts of nutrients in the fertilization of cornbased forage, it is essential to implement crop rotation and to avoid silage production for consecutive years in one area. Introducing perennial plants for ground cover also reduces the soil's susceptibility to erosion (RAMÍREZ-IGLESIAS et al 2020).…”