Abstract 27

Artus,F; Champanhet,F

CEMAGREF, Groupement Outre-Mer, 97262 Fort-de-France, Martinique.

Paturages et alimentation des ruminants en zone tropicale humide. 1989, 65-76; 9 ref., presented at 1st symposium on ruminant nutrition in tropical conditions, Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe, 2-6 June 1987. Paris, France; INRA.

In field trials at Croix Rivail, Martinique in 1985-86, hay was made from Brachiaria decumbens, Digitaria decumbens, Panicum maximum, Chloris gayana or Cenchrus ciliaris cut at 28 days regrowth or from B. decumbens cut at 4, 6, 9, 13 or 17 wk regrowth or at 6 wk with 3 levels of NPK fertilizer after each cut. Hay DM content averaged 23-26% at cutting, increasing to 55-60% by the end of the first day, 70-75% the second day and 78% on the third day of drying under optimum conditions. D. decumbens initially had a lower DM content than the other species but had recovered to similar levels after 3 days. DM content of B. decumbens increased with delay in cutting but so did the proportion of stems, resulting in slower drying, so DM contents after 3 days did not differ between cutting dates. NPK levels did not affect DM content. The nutritive value of the hay decreased during drying and also during conservation. The best species for haymaking were B. decumbens and D. decumbens with good drying properties and fair nutritive values.