Limpograss [<i>Hemarthria altissima</i>] Silage and Protein Supplementation as an Alternative Feed Option for Growing Heifers in North Florida

Abstract

Limpograss (Hemarthria altissima) is a warm-season perennial grass that has the potential to feed livestock during scarcity periods. This study evaluated the intake, nutrient digestibility, and animal performance of beef heifers fed ‘Gibtuck’ limpograss silage combined with different levels of a range cube supplementation. Twenty-four heifers (330 ± 16 kg live weight) were submitted to four different treatments with 6 replicates: (1) control, no supplementation + limpograss silage ad libitum; (2) 1.4 kg of supplement + limpograss silage ad libitum; (3) 2.8 kg of supplement + limpograss silage ad libitum; and (4) 4.2 kg of supplement + limpograss silage ad libitum. The apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein showed a positive quadratic effect with increasing supplementation levels (p = 0.001, p = 0.002, and p p ≤ 0.0001). Limpograss silage associated with supplementation can improve diet digestibility and increase the animal performance of growing heifers, providing an alternative for livestock in North Florida.

Keywords

• animal performance
• conserving forage
• forage intake
• protein supplementation
• weight gain