ROTATIONAL GRAZING SYSTEM OF DWARF NAPIERGRASS PASTURE BY BEEF COWS

Abstract

Rotational grazing system of dwarf variety of late-heading type (DL) napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) pasture by beef cows in a summer season was examined at Miyazaki, Japan in 2004. Five paddocks of DL napiergrass pasture with an area 25 a, (5 a, per paddock) were established since May 2002. It was rotationally grazed in a week with 4-weeks rest period by 3 heads of raising beef cows (Japanese-Black) at 3 cycles in a summer season from June to October 2004. Dry matter intake averaged 15.4 – 18.6 g DM/kg LW/day. Averages of stocking rate and daily gain were 12 head/ha (calculated 3708 kg LW/ha/day) and 0.41 - 0,56 kg/day, respectively with average live weight at 290.3 – 328.7 kg/head. Average daily gain was highest at 0.56 kg/day occurred at third cycle. Thus, DL napiergrass pasture can be utilized under the rotational grazing use at about 12 cows head/ha (calculated 3708 kg LW/ha/day) in the summer season of subtropical area and in the tropical area such as Indonesia.