Abstract 539

Hernandez,-D; Rosete,-A

Estacion Experimental de Pastos y Forrajes "Indio Hatuey", Perico, Matanzas, Cuba.

Pastos-y-Forrajes. 1983, 6: 1, 101-116; 18 ref.

Bermuda grass cv. Coastcross-3, irrigated and fertilized with 400 kg N, 100 kg P and 100 kg K/ha yr, was grazed by 9 Holstein X Zebu cows for a rotation duration of (a) 18, (b) 27 or (c) 36 days. There was no significant difference in milk production. DM availability/cow day was (a) 80.5, (b) 57.7 and (c) 47.4 kg but grass loss at the end of the 3rd yr was (a) 41%, (b) 29% and (c) 28%. Rotation (b) produced a sward with 48% leaves, 42% stems and 10% dead material and this rotation period is recommended for milk production systems.