MILK PRODUCTION OF GRAZING COWS IN KIKUYO (PENNISETUM CLANDESTINUM, EX CHIOV) FERTILIZED WITH POULTRY MANURE

Abstract

Background. The use of organic fertilization on grasslands is an option on the biological, economic and environmental sense. Objective. In order to evaluate the poultry manure applied as a fertilizer in Kikuyo pastures (Pennisetum clandestinum, Ex Chiov) with grazing cows. Methodology. An experiment was carried out on a 21.6 ha farm in Ecuador, at 2° 13' and 78° 24' South and West, 2651 masl, rainfall of 1103 mm / year). Four fertilization levels corresponding to 0, 50, 100, 150 kg / ha / year, respectively, and load of 1.22 AU / ha were used. Irrigation was applied in the dry season. 21-25 Holstein cows with 526 kg of LW were used. Lactation was of 272 days. The time of occupation of a day and time of rest of 21-28 days. The concentrate offered was 0.4 kg / cow. The persistence of the pastures (%) and their yield per rotation in t ms / ha were determined. Heights and density and samples for dry matter, crude protein and crude fiber (%) were estimated. Milk/cow production data were recorded. ANOVA was used. Costs of the kg of milk produced were determined. Results. The significant differences (p <0.05) were in F150, where the pasture increased up to 83% and the milk produced surpassed (p <0.05) the other treatments. Implications. The treatment with the best response for grass and milk production was considered a positive reference to be recommended for producers in the zone. Conclusions. The contribution of 150 kg of manure + 50 kg / N2 / ha as urea, influenced in a higher nutrient intake, increased pasture persistence, yield and nutritional quality, with direct effects on the dairy response and reduced costs / kg of milk.