The objective of this research was to evaluate the forage mass, crude protein and stocking rate on elephantgrass pastures in two production systems. In the conventional system elephantgrass was planted in rows 1,2m apart from each other. In the agroecological system elephant grass was planted in rows 3m apart from each other. In the space between alleys, in cool season, annual ryegrass and red clover were introduced; allowing the development of spontaneous growing species in the warm season. It was applied 150kg of N ha-1 with chemical and organic fertilizers in the respective pastures. Holstein cows receiving 0.9% of body weight complementary concentrate feed were used. Hand-plucked samples were collected to analyze crude protein. Similar value was found in the structural components of elephantgrass pastures in both pasture systems. Eight and seven grazing cycles were performed during the experimental period for respective systems. The average dry matter value for pre-grazing and stocking rate were 3.7 e 4.8t ha-1 and 2.10 e 2.51AU ha-1 day-1 for each respective systems. Agroecological system presents best forage distribution throughout the year. Higher values of crude protein of elephantgrass were observed in cool season in both systems.
lactating cows; Lolium multiflorum; Pennisetum purpureum; production systems; Trifolium pratense
