ABSTRACT
The aim of this research was to evaluate the use of cool season pastures' remaining biomass as conserved forage. The tested species were: Agro Zebu black oat, Common ryegrass and BRS Tarumã wheat. The pastures were grazed by Holstein dairy cows, in the rotating stocking grazing method. Hay and silage were done from the stubble of pasture, twenty days after the end of the grazing period. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 3 x 2 factorial scheme, with tree replicates. Forage yield, structural and botanical composition of preserved forage, fermentative parameters and nutritive value of silage and hay were evaluated. Forage yield was similar among species, and ensiled material has small percentuals of leaf blades and grains. The silage presents desirables fermentation parameters. The silage had lower losses of soluble components, provides forage with a higher nutritional value compared to hay, and is the most appropriate way to conserve cool season remaining biomass.
hay; nutritive value; oat; ryegrass; silage; wheat