Exploring Seasonal Variations in Sward Characteristics and Nutritive Value of Tropical Pastures Grazed by Beef and Dairy Cattle on Commercial Farms in Jamaica

摘要

value of pastures on 5 dairy and 2 beef farms in Jamaica. Pasture samples were collected during the dry, intermediate and wet seasons in 2010. Pasture herbage mass was highest during the dry season. Season affected sward bulk density on all farms (P Cellulose was highest and lowest during the dry (379-413 g kg-1 DM) and intermediate (327-370 g kg-1 DM) season, respectively. Hemicellulose concentration progressively increased from dry to wet season. In vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) was highest (444 - 613g kg-1 OM) in the intermediate season. It is concluded that the nutritive value of Jamaican pastures is highest during the intermediate season and lowest during the dry season.