Seasonal variation of selenium, crude protein, and in vitro organic matter digestibility of Brachiaria humidicola from marajó island, brazil

Abstract

Nutritional content of Brachiaria humidicola grass in relation to crude protein (CP), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and selenium (Se) as related to wet and dry seasons in the Amazon region of Marajó Island, Brazil, was determined. Twenty‐four samples, 12 from the dry and 12 from the wet season, were analyzed. Grass selenium concentrations were not influenced by season and the means were above the minimal requirement for beef cattle in both seasons (0.14 or 0.15 ppm). Factors other than rainfall may be involved. Crude protein concentrations were lower (P<.05) in the dry (3.5%) than in the rainy season (4.8%) and in both seasons were lower than the critical level for cattle (<7.0%). The IVOMD means were extremely low, 33.5% in the wet season and 33.6% in the dry season. These analytical values indicate that Brachiaria humidicola grown at Marajó Island has nutritional limitations for grazing buffalo and cattle production.

Notes

Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, Journal Series No. R‐05483.