Dynamics of Mulatto Grass Regrowth Depending on Rotational Cattle Grazing Management.

This study was carried out to characterize the dynamics of forage accumulation during the regrowth of Mulatto grass submitted to rotational grazing strategies. The treatments corresponded to combinations between two pre-grazing conditions (95% and a maximum light interception during regrowth—LI_95% and LI_Max) and two post-grazing conditions (post-grazing heights of 15 and 20 cm), according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement and randomized complete block design, with four replications. Rates of leaf growth (LGR), stems growth (SGR), total growth (TGR), leaf senescence (LSR), grass accumulation (GAR) (kg·ha⁻¹·day⁻¹), and the senescence/canopy growth ratio during different stages of regrowth. There was no difference between the management strategies for TGR. However, a higher GAR was reported for pastures managed with LI_95% relative to LI_Max, of 161.7 and 120.2 kg DM ha⁻¹·day⁻¹, respectively. Pastures managed with LI_95% have a lower SGR in the intermediate and final regrowth period, reflecting the efficient control in the stalks production. On the other hand, in pastures managed, the LI_Max showed higher SGR and LSR in the final regrowth phase. Thus, the LAI was higher in pastures managed at LI_95% compared to those managed at LI_Max, of 163.9 and 112.7 kg DM ha⁻¹·day⁻¹, respectively. Mulatto grass pastures, which were managed at LI_95% pre-grazing, corresponded to approximately 30 cm in height, showed higher LAI, and ensured a low SGR throughout the regrowth period, constituting a more efficient management strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]