Evaluation of forage potential and nutritional
composition of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-
330 J at three mowing ages
Evaluación del potencial forrajero y composición
nutricional del pasto Brachiaria Híbrido Sabia AIG-
330 J, a tres edades de corte
Gladys Mercedes Macas Giler
1
Guadalupe Ermila Quiñonez Monrroy
2
Iván Guillermo Estupiñán Nieves
3
Abstract: At the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Mutiles campus,
in San Mateo, Esmeraldas, Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J was
evaluated at three cutting ages (30, 60 and 90 days), using a
completely randomized experimental design and statistical analysis
with Fisher's test at 5%. Variables of forage potential were studied,
such as cutting height, cover, green forage production and dry matter,
as well as nutritional composition (dry matter, ash, protein, fiber,
nitrogen free extract and ethereal extract). The results showed
significant differences, highlighting greater height at 90 days (1.32 m)
and greater production of green forage (77.13 ton/ha/year) and dry
matter (13.13 ton/ha/year). Nutritional analysis revealed a decrease in
protein content with increasing cutting age, being higher at 30 and 60
days (14.16%) and lower at 90 days (10.86%). Fiber reached its
maximum at 90 days (31.50%). These findings suggest that cutting at
60 days offers an optimal balance between biomass production and
nutritional value, recommending the Brachiaria Sabia AIG-330 J
hybrid as an efficient forage source for this age.
Key words: Bromatological, Sage, Coverage, Cayana, Protein, Fiber.
Resumen: En la Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias campus Mutiles,
en San Mateo, Esmeraldas, se evaluó el pasto Brachiaria Híbrido
Sabia AIG-330 J a tres edades de corte (30, 60 y 90 días), mediante
un diseño experimental completamente aleatorizado y análisis
estadístico con la prueba de Fisher al 5%. Se estudiaron variables de
potencial forrajero, como altura de corte, cobertura, producción de
forraje verde y materia seca, así como composición nutricional
(materia seca, cenizas, proteína, fibra, extracto libre de nitrógeno y
extracto etéreo). Los resultados mostraron diferencias significativas,
destacando mayor altura a los 90 días (1,32 m) y mayor producción
de forraje verde (77,13 ton/ha/año) y materia seca (13,13 ton/ha/año).
1
Universidad Técnica Luis Vargas
Torres, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias,
Esmeraldas, Ecuador, E-mail:
gladys.giler.macas@utelvt.edu.ec; ORCID:
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1375-789
2
Ingeniera en Zootecnia, Licenciada en
Ciencias de la Educación mención Ciencias
Naturales, Magister en Gestión Ambiental,
docente Colegio PCEI Esmeraldas. E-mail:
guadalupe.quinonez@educacion.gob.ec,
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3953-
7994
3
Universidad Técnica Luis Vargas
Torres, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias),
Esmeraldas, Ecuador, E-mail:
ivan.estupinan@utelvt.edu.ec; ORCID:
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5970-4833
Published
Instituto Tecnológico Superior Edwards
Deming. Quito – Ecuador
Periodicity
July - September
Vol. 1, Num. 22, 2024
pp. 44 - 69
http://centrosuragraria.com/index.php/revista
Dates of receipt
Received: January 12, 2024
Approved: Febrary 24, 2024
Correspondence author
gladys.giler.macas@utelvt.edu.ec
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License, Attribution-
NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0
International.https://creativecommons.org/lice
nses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.es
July – September vol. 2. Num. 22 - 2024
45
El análisis nutricional reveló una disminución en el contenido de
proteína con el aumento de la edad de corte, siendo más alto a los 30
y 60 días (14,16%) y menor a los 90 días (10,86%). La fibra alcanzó
su máximo a los 90 días (31,50%). Estos hallazgos sugieren que el
corte a 60 días ofrece un balance óptimo entre producción de biomasa
y valor nutricional, recomendando al híbrido Brachiaria Sabia AIG-
330 J como una eficiente fuente forrajera para esta edad.
Palabras clave: Bromatológico, Sabia, Cobertura, Cayana, Proteína,
Fibra.
INTRODUCTION
Livestock farming in our country is developed mainly based on natural
and/or cultivated pastures, considering pastures as the basic and most
economical feed in animal feeding, where forage production fluctuates
due to the fact that adequate management techniques are not practiced
and also due to the effect of annual climatic conditions and zonal
environmental variations, affecting the availability and quality of
forage (Guaicha, 2015).
Importantly, research by Assis et al. (2023) on the accumulation and
distribution of dry matter and nutrients in Brachiaria decumbens and
ruziziensis in an intensive forage production system provides valuable
data that can complement the current study on Brachiaria hybrid Sabia
AIG-330 J. In particular, Assis' findings on nutrient dynamics and their
effective management in intensive systems highlight the importance of
proper soil and fertilization management to maximize both yield and
nutritional quality of forage. This reinforces our focus on evaluating
how variations in cutting age influence nutritional composition and
forage potential, adapting and optimizing management practices for
specific growing conditions in Esmeraldas.
In the province of Esmeraldas, one of the main factors limiting the
scope of sustainable livestock production is the scarce availability and
low nutritional quality of pastures during long periods of drought
(Ramírez et al., 2008, p. 2).
During the last few years, scientific progress in genetics has generated
forage varieties that adapt to diverse environmental conditions,
however, due to ignorance of the productive and nutritional value they
are not cultivated (Barén and Centeno 2017).
Among the improved species is Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia Aig-330 J,
developed by Barenbrug, a global leader in the market of forage crops
Evaluation of forage potential and nutritional composition of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J
at three mowing ages.
46
that have adapted to the environmental conditions of different regions.
It is currently marketed in Ecuador and in the province of Esmeraldas.
But there is no information about the productive behavior and
nutritional value in the area of Esmeraldas, for this reason and
considering the need for research on new varieties of grasses, it was
decided to carry out this work, where the following objectives were
proposed: To evaluate the forage behavior of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia
AIG-330 J, at three cutting ages (30, 60 and 90 days) in the Faculty of
Agricultural Sciences Mutiles campus and determine the nutritional
value at 30, 60 and 90 days of cutting through a proximal analysis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This research was carried out on the premises of the Faculty of
Agricultural Sciences, Mutiles campus, located in the San Mateo parish
of Esmeraldas canton, Esmeraldas Province, with a duration of 120
days.
Experimental Units
The size of the experimental unit was 30 m2 (5x6m), each with a total
of 48 experimental plots with a total net trial area of 1440 m².
Materials, Equipment and Facilities
Materials
To carry out the experiments with the Brachiaria hybrid Sabia AIG-330
J, several important materials were used to conduct and document the
study. Among the basic materials used were hand tools such as sickles
and hammers, necessary to process and cut the grass, and ropes and
stakes were used to define the study areas in the experimental site. In
addition, identification labels were used to delimit the study areas
within the experimental field, in order to ensure a correct
characterization and monitoring of the plots. Measurements of plot
dimensions and grass growth were carried out with the help of a
flexometer. During the study, detailed data were collected in notebooks,
and paper covers were used for the collection and temporary storage of
samples. In addition, a camera was used for visual documentation of the
experiment and site conditions.
July – September vol. 2. Num. 22 - 2024
47
Equipment
The analysis and processing of the samples collected in the experiment
was supported by specialized laboratory equipment. An analytical
balance was also used to accurately determine the weight of the dry and
fresh samples, which is crucial for the analysis of the nutritional
composition and biomass of the grass. In addition, advanced computer
equipment was available for the management and analysis of the data
collected in the field. This equipment allowed processing the statistical
results and performing the necessary calculations to evaluate the study
variables, such as the nutritional composition of the grass and its forage
potential at different cutting ages. The use of this equipment was
essential to ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of the results of the
experiment.
Treatment and Experimental Design
For this research, plots of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J were
used, which were cut three times, 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing, with
16 replicates per treatment (days of cutting), which were evaluated
under a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), which is adjusted to
the following additive linear model:
Yij = µ + Ti + €ij
Where: Yij = Value of the parameter in determination.
µ = Mean.
Ti = Effect of treatments (days of cutting after planting).
€ij = Error effect.
Evaluation of forage potential and nutritional composition of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J
at three mowing ages.
48
Experiment outline
Table 1. Design of experiment scheme
Treatment
code
repetitions
T.U.E m2
30 days
T1
16
30
60 days
T2
16
30
90 days
T3
16
30
Total
*T.U.E= Size of the Experimental Unit, 30 m2 plots
Experimental Measurements
The measurements that will be taken into account in the research are:
• Plant height (cm)
• Basal coverage (%)
• Aerial coverage (%)
• Green biomass production (t/ha/year)
• Dry matter production (t/ha/year)
• Proximal analysis.
Statistical Analysis and Significance Tests
The experimental results were subjected to the following statistical
techniques:
• Analysis of variance (ADEVA).
• Separation of means by Fisher's method (P≤0.05) and (P≤0.01).
Experimental Procedure
The proposed research was developed with the planting of Brachiaria
Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J, through the application of the following
activities:
1. Identification of research area: Land with accessible roads close
to programs that allow permanent surveillance.
July – September vol. 2. Num. 22 - 2024
49
2. Land Preparation: Primary and secondary tillage activities were
carried out to prepare the bed for grass planting.
3. Delimitation of the research area: With the use of barbed wire,
to prevent the entry of animals that interfere with the research.
4. Division of plots: for the development of this activity, a tape
measure, pegs and stakes were used to delimit small research
plots of 30m2 (5m x 6m).
5. Plot labeling: The plots were labeled randomly, and once the
order was determined, labels were placed on each 30 m2 plot.
6. Sowing: The Sabia seeds were placed at a distance of 30 x 30
cm between plants and between rows with the help of stakes that
allowed them to go straight and orderly.
7. Weed control: 20 days after germination of the grasses, manual
weeding was carried out, removing weeds that could compete
with the established grass in each plot.
8. Irrigation: irrigation was carried out as a mimic twice a week
until the soil was completely humid, ensuring water absorption
by the plant.
Samples were collected manually using the quadrat method at 30, 60
and 90 days after grass establishment. During collection, agro-botanical
data were meticulously recorded. Subsequently, these samples were
subjected to laboratory analysis using proximate analysis techniques.
At the conclusion of the experimental phase, the data were tabulated
and organized for statistical analysis.
Evaluation Methodology
Basal coverage (%)
To determine the basal cover, the Canfield line method was used, under
the following procedure; the area occupied by the plant on the ground
was measured, the total of these was added in centimeters and by simple
rule of three, the percentage of basal cover was obtained.
Aerial coverage (%)
Evaluation of forage potential and nutritional composition of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J
at three mowing ages.
50
In relation to basal cover, the Canfield line method was used, where the
area occupied by the plant in the middle part of the foliage was
measured, the total of these was added in centimeters and by simple rule
of three, the percentage of basal cover was obtained.
Plant height (cm)
Plant height was determined with a flexometer from the soil surface to
the terminal half of the highest leaf, considering random samples of 12
plants in the middle zone of the plot, to obtain an overall average and
eliminate the edge effect.
Green biomass production (t/ha/year)
The work was based on weight, for which a representative sample was
cut from each plot, using a quadrant of 1 m², the weight obtained was
related to 100% of the plot, and subsequently the production was
estimated in Tn/ha.
Dry matter production (t/ha/year)
The calculation of forage production in dry matter Tn/MS/ha was based
on the production of green forage, a sample of forage was taken to the
laboratory to evaluate the dry matter content.
Proximal analysis
The moisture, ash and crude protein percentages were determined at 30,
60 and 90 days of age using the following methodology:
Moisture percentage determination (%)
Also known as moisture as offered (TCO), and consisted of drying the
forage in the oven at a temperature of 60 to 65°C until constant weight,
drying lasts 24 hours.
Determination of protein percentage (%)
For the determination of the protein, three processes were used:
digestion, distillation and titration. In the digestion, the sample is
subjected to heating with concentrated sulfuric acid, selenium oxide and
July – September vol. 2. Num. 22 - 2024
51
sodium sulfate, in this process the sample carbohydrates and fats of the
sample are destroyed to form CO2 and H2O, the protein decomposes
with the formation of ammonia, which intervenes in the reaction with
sulfuric acid and forms ammonium sulfate.
This sulfate is resistant in acid medium and its destruction with
ammonia release occurs only in basic medium; after the formation of
the ammonium salt, a 50% strong base will act and the nitrogen is
released in the form of ammonia, this ammonia is retained in a 2.5%
boric acid solution and will be titrated with 0.1N HCL.
Ash determination (%)
The ash determination was carried out by dry incineration, which
consists of burning the organic substance of the sample in the muffle at
a temperature of 600° C., with this the organic substance is combusted
and CO2, water, ammonia is formed and the inorganic substance
(mineral salts) remains in the form of residues, the incineration is
carried out until a gray or light gray ash is obtained.
RESULTS
Agro botanical behavior of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J,
different cutting ages after sowing.
Height, m
In plant height, highly significant statistical differences (P˂ 0.0001)
were recorded between cutting intervals, reaching the greatest height in
plots cut at 90 days with an average of 1.32 m, followed by 0.64 m at
60 and 0.38 m at 30 days of cutting (Figure 1). Given these results
López et al. (2017), states that the grasses of the genus Brachiaria as
new expectations for producers since their species have been
disseminated due to their enormous level of adaptation, yield and high
nutritional value for animal feed.
Evaluation of forage potential and nutritional composition of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J
at three mowing ages.
52
Figure 1. Height of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J at different
mowing intervals.
In his study Avellaneda J, et al. (2018), reports a height of 27.50 cm at
28 days. Herrera L., (2017) when evaluating "agronomic behavior and
chemical composition of Brachiarias decumbens, determined a height
of 121.63 cm at 50 days. For their part (García & Díaz, 2015) in which
they reached plant heights of Brachiaria genus of 144.82 cm at 90 days
of cutting, being superior to the results of the present research.
The differences found may be influenced by grass variety,
environmental conditions, soil and plant factors, including temperature,
rainfall, soil fertility and crop age.
Baseline Coverage, %.
For the basal coverage variable, highly significant statistical differences
were found (P˂0.0001) between cutting days, with the highest basal
coverage in treatment T3 (90 days of cutting) with an average of
49.31%, followed by treatment T2 (60 days of cutting) with 21.71% and
the lowest response in treatment T1 (30 days of cutting) with 12.65%
(Figure 2).
0,38
0,64
1,32
0
0,2
0,4
0,6
0,8
1
1,2
1,4
T1 (30 dias) T2 (60 dias) T3 (90 dias)
Height, m
Cut-off age
July – September vol. 2. Num. 22 - 2024
53
Figure 2. Basal cover of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J at different
mowing intervals.
Air Coverage, %.
The aerial coverage by effect of the different cutting periods, showed
highly significant differences (P˂ 0.0001), the highest response was
shown when cutting the hybrid sabia at 90 days with 89.38%,
decreasing at 60 days with an average of 70.63% and being 30 days of
cutting who obtained the lowest percentage with 35.52%, which shows
that the age of cutting influences the aerial coverage of this hybrid as
shown in Figure 3.
12,65
21,71
49,31
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
T1 (30 dias) T2 (60 dias) T3 (90 dias)
% basal coverage
Cut-off days
Evaluation of forage potential and nutritional composition of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J
at three mowing ages.
54
Figure 3. Aerial cover of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J at
different mowing intervals.
The answers obtained are related to the study of Peralta, A. et al. (2017),
who with the purpose of characterizing the productive development of
tropical forage grasses, determined that Brachiarias in its different
varieties present aerial coverages between 84.06 and 92.06 %.
PV production/Ton/ha/year.
The Fv/ton/ha/year production registered highly significant differences
(P˂ 0.0001) among the days of cutting, with the highest at 90 days with
77.13 ton/ha/year and the lowest result of 5.22 ton/ha/year at 30 days
(Figure 4). These results allow inferring that forage production
increases as the plant develops.
35,52
70,63
89,38
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
T1 (30 dias) T2 (60 dias) T3 (90 dias)
Air coverage % Air coverage
Cut-off days
July – September vol. 2. Num. 22 - 2024
55
Figure 4. FV/ton/ha/year of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J, at
different cutting intervals.
Biomass obtained at 90 days are higher than those recorded by Suárez
and Neira (2014) and Proaño (2017), with 71.79 and 54.02 t
M.V/ha/year in Brachiaria brizantha grass. This superiority is due to the
innate botanical characteristics of the sage hybrid, i.e. the density and
weight of the stems and the foliar part, in itself the development of these
and senescence of the tissues; in addition to the environmental factor
such as the type of soil and management of the cultivar.
In relation to the data obtained http://www.huallamayo.com.pe. (2010),
mentions that the production of green matter of Brachiaria brizantha is
up to 180 tons/hectare/year; depending exclusively on environmental
and management conditions; in addition, it is not possible to compare
with research because the hybrid sabia is being introduced for the first
time in Ecuador, so it is compared with reference values of other
varieties studied in Ecuador.
DM production/Ton/ha/year.
The dry matter production of the sabia hybrid as a function of cutting
age showed highly significant differences among treatments (P˂
0.0001), obtaining the highest dry matter production at 90 days of
cutting with 13.13 t/ha/year, followed by the plots cut at 60 days with
2.68 t/ha/year, the lowest production was recorded at 30 days of cutting
5,22
16,19
77,13
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
T1 (30 dias) T2 (60 dias) T3 (90 dias)
PV production/ton/ha/year
Cut-off days
Evaluation of forage potential and nutritional composition of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J
at three mowing ages.
56
with 1.64 t/ha/year (Figure 5). This shows that cutting age influences
dry forage production.
Biomass is a very important aspect when assessing the pastoral interest
of different plant communities and the potential for their utilization by
different herbivores (Gómez. 2018).
Figure 5. DM production/ton/ha/year of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-
330 J, at different mowing intervals.
The above data are within the average established by Barenbrug,
(2020), a world leader in the forage segment, who reports a production
of 12 to 16 ton/ha/year, so it can be said that the frequency and intensity
of cutting are two components of forage management strategies that
determine yield and quality.
Nutritional performance of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J,
different cutting ages.
Dry Matter Percentage %.
Dry matter content registered highly significant differences (P˂
0.0001), among days of cutting, with the highest result at 30 days with
1,64
2,68
13,13
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
T1 (30 dias) T2 (60 dias) T3 (90 dias)
DM production/ton/ha/year
Título del eje
July – September vol. 2. Num. 22 - 2024
57
31.01%, and the lowest result of 16.54% at 60 days (Figure 6). This
shows that cutting age influences dry matter content.
Figure 6. Dry matter content of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J at
different cutting intervals.
In their research Reyes et al., (2019) demonstrate the following DM
percentages in three varieties of Brachiarias: Brachiaria decumbens at
21 days found 22.44% and 28.58%, at 42 days of regrowth, Brachiaria
brizantha at 21 days found 20.84% and 26.30% at 42 days, on the other
hand, Mulatto I at 21 days found 19.30% and 25.35% at 42 days
respectively values that differ from the present research due to the
varieties studied.
Ramirez et al. (20 15), consider that the age of regrowth is one of the
most influential factors in the growth and quality of pastures, since the
longer the age of regrowth, the higher the yield, the worse the quality;
this indicates that frequent defoliation is often more desirable to use
grass of higher nutritional value.
Percentage of ash (%).
With respect to the variable ash content or mineral fraction of the plant,
significant differences (P˂ 0.0001) were found between treatments,
with the best contents at 30 and 60 days of cutting with 12.12% and
12.62%, respectively, and the lowest ash content at 90 days with
31,01
16,54
17
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
T1 (30 dias) T2 (60 dias) T3 (90 dias)
Dry Matter % Dry Matter % Dry
Matter % Dry Matter % Dry
Matter
Cut-off days
Evaluation of forage potential and nutritional composition of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J
at three mowing ages.
58
10.85%, i.e., as the plant matures, the inorganic part of the plant shows
a decrease (Figure 7).
Figure 7. Ash content of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J at
different cutting intervals.
Pinargote (2018) , obtained in his research 10.50 %, data lower than the
results of this research, this was due to the variety studied, management
conditions and climate that affect the mineral content of the grass.
In this regard, Ramírez et al. 2015, indicate that the mineral content
decreases with the age of the grass because this fraction is present in
greater quantity in young cultivars and in the growth stage, especially
in leaves, young shoots and radical ends; the mineral decrease as the
grass ages is related to its vegetative development, that is, due to the
lower presence of leaves in the stems. The aforementioned is
corroborated by Loor et al. (2019), add that the age of cutting, as well
as the species, are factors that exert significant differences on the rate
of ash concentration in pastures.
Percentage of Protein %.
Through the analysis of the protein content of sagebrush grass presented
highly significant differences (P˂ 0.0001), where the lowest protein
12,12
12,62
10,85
9,5
10
10,5
11
11,5
12
12,5
13
T1 (30 dias) T2 (60 dias) T3 (90 dias)
Ashes % Ashes % Ashes
Cut-off days
July – September vol. 2. Num. 22 - 2024
59
content was evidenced at 90 days with 10.86% and the highest content
was recorded at 30 and 60 days of cutting with 14.16% after sowing
(Figure 8). The superiority found during the 30 and 60 days of cutting
is due to the indications of Miranda (2019), grasses show higher protein
contents in the initial stages of development, which decreases as they
approach their maturity stage (flowering), which is explained by the fact
that nitrogen is translocated from the leaves to the base of the stems and
roots (reserve tissues).
Figure 8. Protein content of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J at
different cutting intervals.
In this regard, Vendramini et al. (2014), in their research on Brachiaria
brizantha grass, obtained values similar to the present research at 30 and
60 days of cutting. Rojas (2020), indicates that Brachiaria hybrid sabia
grass has a protein range that varies from 9.2 to 13.4%. The variability
in the results may be due to what is indicated in
http://www.infocarne.com. (2014), who indicates that the nutritive
value of a forage is higher during vegetative growth and lower in the
seed formation stage, since when the plant advances to maturity, the
concentration of protein, energy, calcium, phosphorus and digestible
dry matter are reduced, so forages that are produced for the purpose of
feeding livestock should be harvested or grazed in the pre-flowering
stage.
14,16 14,16
10,86
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
T1 (30 dias) T2 (60 dias) T3 (90 dias)
Protein% Protein% Protein%
Protein% Protein% Protein%
Protein% Protein% Protein
Cut-off days
Evaluation of forage potential and nutritional composition of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J
at three mowing ages.
60
In the same sense, Castillo (2015), defines that pastures harvested at an
early age have a higher crude protein content, but the availability of
biomass is low, while very mature harvested pastures produce a large
amount of forage, with a low quality, therefore, it is important to seek
an adequate balance between forage production and nutritional quality,
which allow the ideal nutrition of ruminants.
Percentage of Fiber %.
The fiber content in sage grass recorded highly significant differences
(P˂ 0.0001), between the days of cuts reporting the highest at 90 days
with 31.50%, followed by the plots cut at 60 days with 29.82% and the
lowest result was observed at 30 days of cutting with 28% (Figure 9).
This may be due to what Beltran, 2016, indicates that an increase in
fiber during the cutting periods is related to the rise of the stems portion,
since these are more lignified, which is why pastures with lower content
of this fraction are more digestible and consumed than pastures with
higher fiber content.
Figure 9. Fiber content of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J at
different cutting intervals.
The values found in the present research are related to León et al.
(2018), who recorded a fiber content in Brachiarias spp of 28.17 and
28
29,82
31,5
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
T1 (30 dias) T2 (60 dias) T3 (90 dias)
Fiber % Fiber
Cut-off days
July – September vol. 2. Num. 22 - 2024
61
30.17% at 28 days, results that allowed them to indicate that, a feed to
be digestible needs to have a fiber content of less than 50%, and for a
grass to be mostly digestible by cattle, it should have from 28 to 36%
fiber depending on the day of harvesting or grazing. Therefore,
Brachiaria sabia grass is within the allowable range during the 30 and
60 days of cutting.
In this regard Bonifaz et al. (2018), indicate that fiber is a generally non-
digestible material, but represents a vital role in the metabolism of
ruminants, fiber is very important in the process of metabolism of these
animals improving digestibility and absorption of nutrients. Bernabé
(2015), points out that the fiber content of forages is a good indicator of
their quality, since forages with lower amounts are generally more
digestible and are consumed in greater quantities than forages with
higher amounts of this nutritional fraction.
Percentage of Nitrogen Free Extract %.
For the nitrogen free extract variable, highly significant differences
were observed (P£ 0.01), between the days of cutting, reporting the
highest values during 30 and 90 days of cutting with 43.83% and
43.99% respectively, the lowest response was at 60 days with 41.23%
(Figure 10). Contreras (2006) affirms that the higher the age and
especially in summer, the lower the nitrogenous elements, increasing
the non-nitrogenous extract, which corroborates the data obtained in
this research.
Evaluation of forage potential and nutritional composition of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J
at three mowing ages.
62
Figure 10. Free Nitrogen Extract Content of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia
AIG-330 J at different cutting intervals.
The results obtained in the present research are lower than Zambrano
(2016), who when evaluating the forage and nutritional potential of
Brachiaria decumbens and tanzania grasses obtained a value of 46.72%.
The differences found are due to the variety evaluated, day of cutting
and climatic conditions where the experiment was developed.
Combellas et al. (2016), indicates that the nitrogen free extract
theoretically represents available and non-fibrous carbohydrates, which
is due in part, to the fact that hemicellulose is included in this fraction,
it also mentions that the E.L.N. content, of Brachiarias, is between a
range of 49.7%.
Percentage of Ethereal Extract %.
The percentages of fat reached by the age of cutting of sagebrush grass
reported significant differences between treatments (P˂ 0.0001),
determining that at 90 days of cutting there is higher fat content with an
43,83
41,23
43,99
39,5
40
40,5
41
41,5
42
42,5
43
43,5
44
44,5
T1 (30 dias) T2 (60 dias) T3 (90 dias)
Nitrogen free extract % nitrogen
free % nitrogen free % nitrogen
free % nitrogen free % nitrogen
free % nitrogen free % …
Cutting day
July – September vol. 2. Num. 22 - 2024
63
average of 2.80%, differing and surpassing the grass cut at 30 and 60
days of with 1.89% and 2.17% of ethereal extract respectively (Figure
11). The fact that the ethereal extract or fat presents low levels in the
first cuts is due to what was indicated by Jácome and Suquilanda
(2017), which affirms that pastures cut at an early age do not completely
accentuate the lignification of the stem, therefore the fat content will be
lower.
Figure 11. Ether extract content of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia grass AIG-
330 J, at different cutting intervals.
Solís et al. (2022), when evaluating the yield and nutritive value of
Brachiaria brizantha cv. "Marandú" in semi-arid zones of the
Ecuadorian coast, obtained 3.96% lipid content, while Guzmán (2015)
recorded an average of 4.30%, higher values than the present research,
perhaps due to the different climatic and management conditions of the
species.
Authors such as Montalván (2018) and Witting & Azania (2017 ),
indicate that fat components are the product of the decomposition that
occurs from the carbohydrates that make up the parenchyma of pasture
stems. They provide 2.5 times more energy for each unit of weight that
each carbohydrate provides. Generally, the percentage of ethereal
extract in a pasture varies between 3% and 10%, this percentage can be
reduced as the days go by.
1,89
2,17
2,8
0
0,5
1
1,5
2
2,5
3
T1 (30 dias) T2 (60 dias) T3 (90 dias)
Ethereum Extract
Cut-off days
Evaluation of forage potential and nutritional composition of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J
at three mowing ages.
64
CONCLUSIONS
The best agro-botanical responses in Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330
J, were presented at 90 days after cutting with a height of 1.32 meters,
basal cover 49.31%, aerial cover 89.38%, green forage production of
77.13 ton/ha/year and dry matter production of 13.13 ton/ha/year.
In the proximal analysis, the 30-day and 60-day cuts showed the highest
protein content, good mineral fraction and optimum percentage of
ethereal extract. Regarding fiber, the 30-day cut showed the lowest
percentage with values not far from 60 days. Dry matter content was
affected by grass maturity, therefore the highest dry matter content was
reported at early cutting ages.
Based on the nutritional value and the agro botanical behavior, it was
determined that the optimal harvest period is 60 days, since there was a
balance between the productive and nutritional part, although only 6
annual cuts are obtained, but at this age the crop production is
guaranteed 16.19 ton/ha/year (green matter) that will become 2.68
ton/ha/year (dry matter); plant height 64.57 cm; protein content of
14.16%; 12.62% ash and 29.82% fiber.
References
Avellaneda, C.J., Cabezas, G.F., Quintana, Z.G., Luna, M.R.,
Montañez, V.O., Espinoza, G.I., Zambrano, M.S., Romero,
G.D., Vanegas, R.J., Pinargote, M.E. 2018. Agronomic
behavior and chemical composition of three Brachiaria varieties
at different harvest ages. Science and Technology 1(2): 87-94.
Assis, Wesley Oliveira de. et al. Accumulation and allocation of dry
matter and nutrients in brachiaria decumbens and ruziziensis in
an intensive forage production system. Multidisciplinary
Scientific Journal Núcleo do Conhecimento. Year 08, Ed. 06,
Vol. 02, pp. 159-178. June 2023. ISSN: 2448-0959, Access link:
https://www.nucleodoconhecimento.com.br/agronomy-
en/nutrients-in-brachiaria, DOI:
10.32749/nucleodoconhecimento.com.br/agronomy-
en/nutrients-in-brachiaria
July – September vol. 2. Num. 22 - 2024
65
Barén, José & Centeno, L (2017). Nutritive values of OM-22
(Pennisetum purpureum x Pennisetum glaucum) cuba grass
subjected to four mowing intervals in the Corrizal river valley.
[on line] (Degree work), (Engineering). Escuela Superior
Politécnica Agropecuaria de Manabí Manuel Félix López,
Calceta - Ecuador. Available at:
http://repositorio.espam.edu.ec/handle/42000/649.
Bernabé, D (2015). "Technological alternatives for biomass production
in Mombaza grass (PANICUM MAXIMUM CV.) in
Manglaralto, Santa Elena." (Degree thesis), (Engineering).
Santa Elena Peninsula State University.
https://repositorio.upse.edu.ec/bitstream/46000/2209/1/UPSE-
TIA-2015-001.pdf.
Beltran, Xavier (2016), Evaluation of three organic fertilizers applied
at two post-cutting times in the production of maralfalfa
(Pennisetum sp). [online] (Degree work), (Engineering). Higher
Polytechnic School of Chimborazo. Riobamba- Ecuador. 2016,
pp. 24, 25, 43, 60, 71. [Accessed: November 08, 2019].
Available from:
http://dspace.espoch.edu.ec/handle/123456789/2227.
Bonifaz, N., León, R. and Gutiérrez, F. (2018). Pastures and Forages of
Ecuador. Sowing and Production of Pastures. Universidad
Politécnica Salesiana. Primera. Edición. Editorial Universitaria
Abya-Yala. Cuenca-Ecuador.
Costa, K., Oliveira, I., Faquin, V., Neves, B., Rodrigues, C.; &
Sampaio, F. (2015). Interval of cutting in dry mass production
and chemical-bromatological composition of Brachiaria
brizantha cv. MG-5" Ciência e Agrotecnologia. [online]. Brazil.
2007, Vol. 31. No. 4, pp 1197-1198. ISSN 1413-7054.
Disponible en: http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-
70542007000400037.
Combellas, J., González, E., and Parra, R. (2016). Composition and
nutritive value of forages produced in the tropics. Manual de
Ganadería Doble Propósito. Faculty of Agronomy (U.C.V.).
Maracay, Venezuela, Consultation: [22/10/2019]
http://sian.inia.gob.ve/repositorio/revistas_ci/Agronomia%20T
ropical/at2106/arti/combellas_j.h tm.
Evaluation of forage potential and nutritional composition of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J
at three mowing ages.
66
Castillo G., E., B. Valles M. and J. Jarillo R. (2015). Relationship
between dry matter present and height in native grasses of the
Mexican tropics. Tecn. Pecuria in Mexico 47, 79-92.
García, I., & Díaz, M. (2015). Agronomic behavior of Cuba CT-115
grass (Pennisetum purpureum) to different applications of 46%
Urea in the Cuisalá region. CamoapaNicaragua. Universidad
Nacional Agraria Sede Regional Camoapa:
https://cenida.una.edu.ni/Tesis/tnf04g216c.pdf.
Guaicha, M, (2015). Evaluation of ten pastures introduced in the
Ecuadorian Amazon at different cutting ages, at the CIPCA
research center (Degree work), (Engineering). Escuela Superior
Politécnica de Chimborazo, Riobamba-Ecuador. 2015. p. 1, 59,
64-70.
Guzman, K, (2015). Agronomic Behavior and Nutritional Value of
Wiregrass (Brachiaria Decumbens) and Guinea Mombasa Grass
(Panicum Maximum) with two organic fertilizers at La Playita
Experimental Center, Technical University of Cotopaxi, La
Maná-Cotopaxi.
Gomez, D. (2018). Methods for the study of grasslands:
Characterization, ecology and valuation. Accessed April 19,
2020.
https://jolube.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/gomez_2008_meto
dos_pastos.pdf.
http://www.huallamayo.com.pe. (2010), Brachiaria brizanta marandú,
Ficha Tecnica.
http://www.infocarne.com. 2014. Dairy cow feeds.
Herrera, L. J. (2017). "Agronomic behavior and chemical composition
of brachiarias and megathyrsus maximus varieties." La Mana:
UTC.
Jácome, L., & Suquilanda, M. (2017). Chemical and organo-mineral
fertilization of mulatto grass (Brachiaria Híbrido) and Xaraés
July – September vol. 2. Num. 22 - 2024
67
(Brachiaria Brizantha Xaraés). Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas.
EíDOS, 62-72.
León, R., Bonifaz, N., & Gutiérrez, F. (2018). Pastures and forages of
Ecuador. Cuenca-Ecuador.
López, P., Garay, A., Quiroz, J., Pedroza, S., Carrillo, A., and Torres,
B. (2017). Agronomic performance of Brachiaria humidicola
(Rendle) Schweickt genotypes in the humid tropics of Mexico.
Revista Fitotecnia de Mexico, 34(2), 3-4.
Loor, D., Vargas, P., Solórzano, M., Mendoza, F., & Intriago, F. (2019).
Agroproductive evaluation of Panicum Maximum Cv.
Mombaza in the canton El Carmen, Manabí-Ecuador. Revista
ESPAMCIENCIA, 19(8) 209.
Miranda, H. (2019). Adaptation and Productivity of Six Forage Grasses
in Puerto Diaz, Chontales. Undergraduate thesis. Faculty of
Agronomy. National Agrarian University. Managua. pp. 9-20
Merlo, F., Ramírez, L., Ayala, A.; & Ku, J. (2017). Effect of cutting age
and time of year on yield and quality of Brachiaria brizantha (A.
Rich.) Staff in Yucatan, Mexico". Journal of the Selva Andina
Animal Science. Sci. [online]. Mexico, 2017. Vol. 4, No. 2, p.
117. ISSN 2311-2581.
http://scielo.org.bo/pdf/jsaas/v4n2/v4n2_a04.pdf
Montalván, N. (2018). Evaluation of two types of fertilization on yield
and nutritional quality of annual grass (Lolium multiflorum).
Cuenca: Salesian Polytechnic University. Sede Cuenca
Pinargote, M 2018, 'In vivo Digestibility of Four Pasture Grasses of
High Productive Potential Under Phosphorus Fertilization',
Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí, Degree work,
Extension in El Carmen, El Carmen-Ecuador.
Peralta A., Pezom D. A., F Holman J. and Arzer, J. G. (2017). Graduate
thesis "Summary of the average values of 3 replications of green
matter production and plant height, in the three cuttings
performed in the variety Turdan 2 subjected to thirteen
fertilization treatments". University of Costa Rica, San José,
Costa Rica. 182 p
Evaluation of forage potential and nutritional composition of Brachiaria Hybrid Sabia AIG-330 J
at three mowing ages.
68
Proaño, V. (2017). Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization on Biomass
Production in Piata and Marandú (Brachiaria brizantha)
Pastures in the Babahoyo Zone. Technical University of
Babahoyo. Faculty of Agricultural Sciences. Degree thesis. Los
Ríos-Ecuador.
Ramírez, J.L.; Herrera, R.S.; Leonard, I.; Cisneros, M.; Verdecia, D.
and Álvarez, Y. (2015). Relation between climatic factors, yield
and quality of Pennisetum purpureum vc. Cuba CT-169 in the
Cauto Valley, Cuba. Cuban J. Agric. Sci. 45 (2): 293-298.
Reyes, Pérez, J. J., Méndez Martínez, Y., Luna-Murillo, R. A.,
Verdecia, D. M., Macias-Pettao, R., and Herrera, R. S. (2019).
Quality of three Brachiaria varieties in Guayas area, Ecuador.
Cuban Journal of Agricultural Science, 53(2), 1-11.
Solís L.; Valle, D. and Orrala, N (2022), Yield and nutritive value of
Brachiaria brizantha cv. "Marandú" grass, in semi-arid zones of
the Ecuadorian littoral Revista Zootec. 71 (273): 14-18. 2022,
Retrieved: file:///C:/Users/hp/Downloads/5605-14490-1-
PB.pdf.
Suárez, M. and Neira, P. (2014). Agronomic Behavior of Three Forage
Species in Mangrove Forest. Santa Elena Peninsula State
University. Faculty of Agricultural Sciences. Graduation Work.
La Libertad-Ecuador.
Vendramini J. M. B., Sollenberger L. E., Soares A.B., Da silva W. I.,
Sanchez J. M. D., Valente A. I., Aguiar A. D. and Mullenix M.
K. (2014). Harvest frequency affects herbage accumulation and
nutritive value of Brachiaria grass hybrids in Florida. Tropical
GrasslandTropical Grasslands. 2:197-206.
Witting, S., & Azania, R. (2017). Effect of regrowth age on yield and
bromatological composition of Setaria Sphacelata cv Nandi
grass, established in "El Sequion" farm, Huancabamba.
Oxapampa. Peru: Daniel Alcides Carrion National University.