Grazing capacity comparison of Andropogon gayanus and Panicum maximum sward established by Seed and Transplant propagules

Abstract

The capacity to withstand grazing by Muturu cattle on two pasture sward established by seed and transplant propagules under humid tropical environment of South-Eastern Nigeria was conducted by determining the forage dry matter (Dm) yield of the two pasture propagules in four seasons. The grazing defoliation, the relative growth rate and the stocking rates of the forages were calculated. The results show that the Dm yield, from A.gayanus seed propagule harvested on the month of June-August was the highest, while the least Dm yield was recorded from gayanus transplant propagules on the month of December- February. The grazing defoliation occurred more with P. maximum than A.gayanus, while the seed propagules had less defoliation than transplant propagules. The highest defoliation occurred from the month of December to February which is the dry season period while the least occurred from the month of June to August, which is the peak rainfall period. The relative growth rate varied significantly (P < 0.05) among forage propagules and between the seasons. The grazing efficiency and grazing capacity differs significantly (P < 0.05) among the propagules. Muturu cattle had the best weight gain per hectare on A. gayanus seed propagule from the month of March to May. The maximum stocking rate was recorded with A. gayanus seed propagule from the month of June to August, while the minimum stocking rate was recorded with A. gayanus transplant propagule from December to February.

Keyword: Grazing capacity, forage sward, seeds, transplant propagules.