INVESTIGADORES
BALZARINI Monica Graciela
artículos
Título:
Bloat Reduction Potential of an Alfalfa Cultivar Selected for Low Initial Ruminal Disappearance
Autor/es:
M. LAURA BERNÁLDEZ; DANIEL H. BASIGALUP; JORGE MARTÍNEZ FERRER; MÓNICA BALZARINI; DANIEL ALOMAR
Revista:
CROP SCIENCE
Editorial:
CROP SCIENCE SOC AMER
Referencias:
Año: 2009 vol. 49 p. 356 - 361
ISSN:
0011-183X
Resumen:
Foamy bloat causes large economic losses in
beef and dairy grazing systems based on alfalfa
(Medicago sativa L.). Dry matter (DM) disappearance
at initial stages of rumen fermentation
is associated with bloat. The National Institute
for Agricultural Technology, Argentina, developed
a cultivar of alfalfa (Carmina) with low initial
ruminal DM disappearance (LIRD). To study the
bloat reduction potential of Carmina, a grazing
trial using steers was conducted. The trial was
repeated in 10 periods using the cultivar Barbara
as control. Bloat frequency and severity were
estimated by direct observation of each animal
after the start of grazing. Just before grazing,
forage samples were taken so as to characterize
agronomic properties and chemical composition
of the pasture. Cultivars were not different
in crude protein, neutral detergent fi ber, acid
detergent fi ber, and lignin concentration (248,
317, 239, and 58 g kg1 DM, respectively). Overall,
Carmina reduced bloat occurrence (P < 0.01)
by 25.2% compared to Barbara, but presented
a lower forage DM yield per hectare and a slight
more advanced maturity stage (cultivars were
grazed from early to mid-bud). Selection for
LIRD was an effective way to reduce bloat risk.