Hélio Henrique Vilela

Valor nutritivo de silagens de milho colhido em diversos estádios de maturação

This work evaluated the bromatologic characteristics of corn silages, ensiled at different maturity stages. It was used a split plot in time in a randomized block design, with four replicates. Cultivars evaluated were Geneze 2004, Agroceres 1051, Pioneer 30S40 and Pioneer 30F90 ensiled in the following maturity stages: 0% milk line kernels (SLL), reduction of milk line in 1/3 of the kernel (1/3 LL), 1/2 of the kernel (1/2 LL), 2/3 of the kernel (2/3 LL), and formed black layer (CN). The percentage of DM of the silages ranged from 26.5% to 45.0%. The highest losses of effluents occurred in the silages from the cultivars AG1051 and P30S40, at the SLL stage, with no losses from the 1/2 LL stage. As the maturity stage advanced, increased values of pH occurred. Maturity stages influenced the percentage of CP of the silages which ranged from 10.7% to 8.1%. The greatest values of NDF (neutral detergent fiber) and ADF (acid detergent fiber) were found at the 2/3 LL and CN stages. The percentage of lignin was influenced by the cultivars, with the greatest values observed in the silages from the cultivar P30S40. The IVDDM (in vitro dry matter digestibility) was influenced by cultivar and maturity stage, varying from 51.1% to 69.8%, with the cultivar P30F90 presenting the greatest IVDDM. The 1/2 LL stage showed better IVDDM, reducing its value after this stage. The cultivars GNZ 2004, AG1051 and P30F90 are more indicated for ensiling and the best maturity stage for ensiling these two cultivars was when grains presented reduction of the milk line in half of the kernel (1/2 LL).

Morphogenic and structural characteristics of guinea grass pastures submitted to three frequencies and two defoliation severities

It was evaluated the morphogenic and structural characteristics of guinea grass under rotational at three grazing intervals and two defoliation intensities. Grazing intervals corresponded to the time needed by the forage canopy to reach 90, 95 or 100% of incident light interception during regrowth and they were evaluated combined to two defoliation severities (post-grazing conditions, 25 and 50 cm of height), being allocated to experimental units according to a complete randomized design, with three replicates and 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. The experiment was conducted from July 2003 to May 2004. For evaluation of morphogenetic and structural characteristics, ten tillers per experimental unit were selected. Morphogenetic and structural characteristics were strongly influenced by seasons of the year inasmuch as leaf elongation rate increased 3.5 fold from winter to summer. In addition to year season effect, there was also an effect of defoliation frequencies on tiller population density, which was greater in the defoliation period corresponding to 90% of light interception, especially if evaluated in relation to the interval corresponding to 100% of light interception. Defoliation frequency is determinant in expression of phenotypic plasticit, acting on the control of stem elongation.

Piata palisadegrass deferred in the fall: effects of initial height and nitrogen in the sward structure

The objective of this study was to evaluate the mass of the forage and of the morphological components, and the sward structure in Piata palisadegrass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piata) deferred in function of different initial heights and nitrogen levels. Two levels of nitrogen (75 and 150 kg/ha) and one control without fertilization associated to three initial deferring heights (20, 30, and 40 cm) were evaluated. The design was of completely randomized blocks with three replications in a subdivided plot scheme. A raise in the initial deferment height and in the fertilization elevated the sward and extended tiller heights, the leaf area index, and the light interception by the sward. The piata palisadegrass deferred with an initial height of 40 cm presented a higher forage mass with lower percentage of leaf blades, and higher stem and dead tissue quantity. Additionally, this management strategy resulted in lower bulk density of leaf blade and in higher bulk densities of stems and dead tissue. The utilization of 150 kg/ha of nitrogen raised the production and the bulk density of deferred piata palisadegrass forage and increased production and bulk density of leaves and stems. In the region of Vicosa, Minas Gerais, the piata palisadegrass deferred with an initial height of 30 cm and fertilized with 75 kg/ha of nitrogen in the beginning of the fall presents adequate mass and structure to animal production in the winter.

Forage mass and structure of piatã grass deferred at different heights and variable periods

The objective of this study was to determine the deferment period and the most adequate initial sward height of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piata for deferment in the region of Vicosa, Minas Gerais. For so, the following characteristics were evaluated: masses and bulk density of forage and its morphological components, light interception by the sward, leaf area index, leaf angle, sward and extended tiller height and falling index of the deferred piata grass. The three deferment periods assessed (65, 85 and 105 days) were randomized to the plots and the three sward heights (20, 30 and 40 cm), randomized in the subplots. The experimental design was of completely randomized blocks, with three replicates, in a subdivided plots arrangement. Masses of forage, green stem and dead tissue were higher in the piata grass managed with deferment period of 105 days. The mass of green leaf blade was higher in the piata grass deferred with 20 cm height associated to the deferment period of 85 days, which had, as consequence, greater bulk density of green leaf blade. The interception of light by the sward was greater in the piata grass kept longer in deferment associated with the higher leaf area index, regardless of its initial height. The heights of the sward and extended tillers were greater in the piata grass under periods of 85 and 105 days of deferment; however, the falling index was not affected by the factors studied. In the region of Vicosa, Minas Gerais, B. brizantha cv. Piata fertilized with 75 kg/ha nitrogen and deferred with initial height of 20 cm and for a period of 85 days, from mid April, has adequate productivity and structure for animal production.