Forage alternatives for lamb production systems in the dry season in the Cerrado biome

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to evaluate forage pro-duction and performance of meat lambs grazing differ-ent forage cultivars during the dry season in the Brazilian Cerrado biome. Materials and Methods A randomized block design was used with 5 cultivars: Marandu, BRS Ipyporã, BRS Paiaguás, BRS Quênia, and BRS Tamani, under continu-ous stocking, with variable stocking rates. Lambs of mixed breed were used and received daily protein supplementa-tion at 1% of BW. Results and Discussion The greatest forage mass was observed in the BRS Tamani cultivar, 4,225 kg of DM/ha. The greatest forage accumulation rates were ob-served in the Marandu and BRS Tamani cultivars (14.4 and 14.9 kg of DM/ha per day, respectively). In contrast, the least value was observed in the BRS Ipyporã cultivar, 2.6 kg of DM/ha per day. The Marandu cultivar presented the greatest live/dead ratio of approximately 1.13. The chemical composition of the leaves of the Marandu culti-var presents a greater fiber content (NDF and ADF) and a lesser CP content. The BRS Ipyporã cultivar presented a greater CP content and a lesser fibrous content (NDF, ADF, and cellulose) in the simulated grazing material. The Marandu cultivar presents a greater stocking rate and a greater gain per area, 61% greater than the average of the other cultivars. Implications and Applications These results dem-onstrate that Marandu is the most suitable cultivar for lamb meat production during the dry season in the Cer-rado. Selecting appropriate forage cultivars can enhance lamb production efficiency and sustainability under tropi-cal, dry conditions.