Weight Gains of Cows Fed on Five Grass Pastures Intensively Managed in the Humid Hill Region of Puerto Rico

Abstract

There is no significant difference in the productivity of intensively managed pastures of Guinea, Tanner, Pangola, D. milanjiana and Signal grasses growing on an Ultisol. Grazing cattle gained an average of 815 kg/ha/yr and 0.47 kg/head/day. Tanner can on occasion be toxic to cattle; Signal and Guinea grasses were not easily established, and D. milanjiana was frequently uprooted by the grazing cattle. Pangola proved to be the most desirable because it is easy to establish and cultivate; it has a good root system, and it contains no toxic substances.