POTENTIAL OF Brachiaria brizantha CIAT 6298 IN THE MEAT PRODUCTION OF CEBU AND OTHER CROSE BREEDS IN BUGABA, CHIRIQUI.

Abstract

A three years study was performed in Santa Marta, Bugaba, Chiriqui, to evaluate the potential of Brachiaria brizantha CIAT 6298 in terms of meat production. It was used a grazing program for the pasture composed by 10 days of grazing and 30 days of resting; the pasture was fertilized with 80, 40 and 25 kg/ha of N, P₂O₅ and K₂O, respectively. Data were analyzed using an analysis of variance for a Split Plot in Time Design. During the study, three groups of animals were evaluated, Zebu and its crossbreeds with Brown Swiss and Holstein. The average initial weights for these groups were 255.93, 204.36 and 220.36, respectively; the initial stocking rates were 2.56, 2.06 and 2.20 with average of 3.28, 2.74 and 3.03 AU/ha for the three groups, respectively. Daily gain weights were 0.702, 0.645 and 0.681 kg/animal for these groups, respectively. Forage availability averaged 1450, 1059 and 1266 kg DM/ha for each grazing cycle and group. Grazing pressure averaged 11.05, 9.66 and 10.44 kg DM/100 kg of live weight/day for each group, respectively. Grass crude protein content fluctuated between 11.09 and 12.58% during the rainy season and averaged 9.34% during the dry season; in vitro dry mater digestibility was 46.40% during the dry season and varied from 46.13 to 47.72 during the rainy season. The production cost of 1 kg of meat was $ 0.80 with a breakeven point of 36% and a net income of $ 1035.17 for each studied period. In conclusion, it is posible to produce meat based on improved pastures, fertilization, animal health and management programs. The economic analysis of this production system allows demonstrating the viability of this activity for the weather conditions of Bugaba and recommend the use of Brachiaria brizantha CIAT 6298 for beef cattle feeding.