Stem formation dynamics, yield and bromatological analysis of Mulato II grass (Urochloa hybrid) in the dry tropics of Mexico

Forage in the dry tropics constitutes the most sustainable feed source for livestock, contributing the most to improving animal welfare, meat and milk quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of stems, growth, yield and bromatological analysis of Urochloa hybrid cultivar 'Mulato II' by varying the days of cutting and cutting height in the dry and rainy seasons. The variables evaluated were: stem dynamics, growth dynamics, structural characteristics, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF), leaving a residual height of 10 and 15 cm in the dry and rainy seasons in an 8-week growth analysis. There were 8 experimental plots corresponding to each day of cutting, each plot measuring 3 x 3 m with 3 replicates distributed in a completely random design based on the slope of the irregular terrain. From the stage of 49 to 56 days, the highest density of stems was recorded, regardless of the season and cutting height, with an average of 360 stems/m(2). The net growth of Mulato II grass leaf blades showed the following trend from highest to lowest: 15 cm rain >15 cm dry >10 cm rain >10 cm dry with 209, 183, 155 and 133 cm/stem, respectively (P <= 0.05). The CP concentration varied from 19.80 to 7.9 %, for harvests at 7 and 63 days, respectively; regardless of the cutting height and time of the year (P<0.05). Mulato II grass should be cut at 35 to 42 days after regrowth and at an intensity of 15 cm.