Ingesta de materia verde en terneros al destete con gramínea de corte e Hibiscus rosa-sinensis.

Abstract

This research evaluated the green matter intake in weaned calves fed with Cuba 22 grass (Pennisetum sp) at different dehydration levels and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. The study was conducted in El Carmen, Manabí, Ecuador, using three castrated crossbred bovines. Three treatments were applied: fresh grass, 24-hour dehydrated grass, and 48-hour dehydrated grass, all including 500 grams of H. rosa-sinensis. The experiment consisted of three 10-day phases, evaluating daily green matter intake, intake per period, and percentage intake relative to live weight. Results showed that fresh grass and 24-hour dehydrated grass had similar intake (30,36 kg and 30,51 kg respectively), significantly higher than 48-hour dehydrated grass (21,37 kg). Percentage intake followed the same trend. Total, intake per period decreased throughout the experiment. It was concluded that dehydration of Cuba 22 grass for 48 hours significantly reduces its intake, while 24-hour dehydration does not substantially affect intake compared to fresh grass. It is recommended to use fresh Cuba 22 grass or dehydrated for no more than 24 hours to maximize green matter intake in weaned calves.