Revista Caatinga (Jan 2014)

PROTEIN FRACTIONATION AND DIGESTIBILITY OF MILLET GENOTYPES FOR GRAZING MANAGED AT DIFFERENT CUTTING HEIGHTS

  • HÉLIDA FERNANDES LEÃO,
  • KÁTIA APARECIDA DE PINHO COSTA,
  • FERNANDO JOSÉ DOS SANTOS DIAS,
  • EDUARDO DA COSTA SEVERIANO,
  • PATRÍCIA SOARES EPIFANIO

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 27, no. 1
pp. 173 – 180

Abstract

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This study was developed with the purpose of evaluating the protein fractionation and in vitro di- gestibility of the dry matter (IVDMD) of millet genotypes for grazing, managed at different heights and sub- jected to several cuts. The experiment had a randomized complete block design, with repeated measures over time, four replications in a 3x3 factorial arrangement, with three cultivars of millet (ADR 500, LAB 1542 and LAB 1838) and three average cutting heights (60; 80 and 100 cm). Evaluations were undertaken through cuts in the same plots during four months. Results showed that millet genotypes were similar as for the values of pro- tein fractionation and IVDMD. The forage quality is affected by the management of cutting height, thereby it is not recommended to manage millet genotypes at 100 cm height for providing lower fraction A, B1, B2 and digestibility and higher fraction B3 and C of the forage.