Forage accumulation, nutritive value, and grazing efficiency on rotationally stocked ‘Zuri’ guineagrass pastures as affected by pre‐graze canopy height and N rate

Grazing management and nitrogen fertilisation may affect forage accumulation (FA), nutritive value, and grazing efficiency (GE) of the highly productive ‘Zuri’ guineagrass [ Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B.K.Simon & S.W.L. Jacobs syn. Panicum maximum Jacq.]. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of pre‐graze canopy heights [55 and 75 cm (H55 and H75, respectively)] and N fertilisation rates [150 and 300 kg N ha −1 year −1 (N150 and N300, respectively)] on FA, GE, grazing losses (GL), and nutritive value of Zuri under rotational stocking. The stubble height was 50% of the pre‐graze canopy height. The total FA was 20% greater under H75 than H55 (22,120 vs. 18,370 kg DM ha −1 year −1 ), as well as the GL was greater under H75 (85%) than under H55 (79%). Regardless of pre‐graze height, the upper stratum of the canopy was composed mostly of leaves contributing to similar crude protein (CP) (142 g kg −1 ) and in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) (559 g kg −1 ) concentrations. Greater N rate (N300) increased FA (23,500 vs. 16,980 kg DM ha −1 year −1 ) and resulted in greater GE (84% vs. 80%) compared to N150. The CP and IVDOM concentrations under N300 (157 and 571 g kg −1 , respectively) were greater than under N150 (128 and 547 g kg −1 ). Zuri guineagrass grazed at H75 has great FA and GE, maintaining a similar forage nutritive value compared to H55.