FORAGE MASS AND NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF WINTER PERENNIAL GRASSES IN THE NORTH PLATEAU OF SANTA CATARINA STATE, BRAZIL

Abstract

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the potential of seven genotypes of perennial grasses of winter for use in animal systems: Bromus auleticus, Dactylis glomerata, Phalaris aquatica, Festuca arundinacea cv Epagri 312 (0 and 40% of Endophytic fungi), Festuca arundinacea cv ‘au Triumph’ and Arrhenatherum elatius, in the climatic conditions of North Plateau of Santa Catarina State, Brazil, during two consecutive years of 2006 and 2007. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Were evaluated forage mass of genotypes and ground cover (%). In the year of 2006 the crude protein (CP) and digestibility in vitro of organic matter (DIVOM) were evaluated in the spring. All the genotypes presented contents of CP above of 20 dag kg^-1 and DIVOM above of 65 dag kg^-1. There was significant interaction (p < 0,05) between genotypes and season for forage mass. In 2006 the forage mass of the genotypes was greater in the spring. In 2007, with exception of the Bromus and Arrhenatherum no have difference in the forage mass among spring and winter. There was significant interaction (p < 0,05) between genotypes and ground cover (%). In the second year all the genotypes reduced the ground cover (%). On the average of two years, the yield potential of DM ranged from 3,3 to 5,2 t ha^-1 respectively for Bromus and Arrhenatherum. The results would suggest that the genotype Phalaris aquatica have annual cycle and the genotypes Arrhenatherum elatius, Festuca arundinacea cv Epagri 312 (0% Endophytic fungi) and Festuca arundinacea cv au Triumph present potential of use for the region.