Comparison of Heavily Fertilized Pangola and Star Grass Pastures in Terms of Beef Production and Carrying Capacity in the Humid Mountain Region of Puerto Rico

Abstract

Intensively managed Star and Pangola grass pastures fertilized with one ton of 14-4-10 per acre yearly were compared in terms of beef production and carrying capacity during a 2-year period in the humid mountain region of Puerto Rico. Star grass produced an average of 1,350 pounds of beef per acre yearly with average daily gains of 1.33 pounds per head, compared to 947 pounds of beef per acre and average daily gains of 1.09 per head for Pangola. Star grass pastures had a carrying capacity equivalent to three 600-pound steers per acre compared to 2.5 for Pangola. Star grass had higher protein and dry matter contents than Pangola throughout the year. Protein content of the forage ranged from 11.3 to 19.6 percent, with highest values occurring during the slow growth of winter months. Both grasses produced lowest yields during the winter months in spite of rainfall in excess of 5 inches monthly during this period. Shorter days and cooler temperatures seem to be primary factors responsible for lower beef production during this season, although these variations are small in this tropical area. Excessive rainfall tended to depress weight gains.