Resumen

BORGES, Jorge A et al. Characterization of pastures subsystem in dual purpose farm of the Aroa Valley, Yaracuy State, Venezuela. Zootecnia Trop. [online]. 2013, vol.31, n.2, pp.129-138. ISSN 0798-7269.

Pasture subsystem was characterized in 20 dual purpose farms distributed between Bolivar, Manuel Monge and Veroes municipalities into Yaracuy state, using a diagnostic instrument (interview and field evaluation) that generated technical-descriptive indicators in structure, conditions, management pastures and forage resources, being analyzed by descriptive statistics/cluster analysis (quantitative) and percentage distribution of frequencies/simple correlations (qualitative). With the characterization found that 90% of the total area of farms, conditioned by the relief factor, is intended to grazing with a stocking located between 1,6 and 2,8 A.U./ha. 60% of farms have fl at relief, limited by 15 and 45% moderate soil compaction and fl ood, respectively. 55% of the farms managed pastures 10-20 ≤1 ha, 65% grazing stratified by age group, 60% maintain a defined rotation and 30% implemented electric fencing. Regarding the management of pastures, 40 % fertilized and/or renewed without soil testing, and 95% weed control. Observed within the forage resource, 50% have monoculture species (C. nlemfuensis and B. humidicola) and 40% maintain associations, being naturally associated herbaceous legumes by 25% of pastures. Living fences are used as forage resource only in 20% of the farms, the use of energy crops and fodder banks was limited to 25 and 10%, respectively. Characterization of pasture subsystem allowed these farms demonstrate the main weaknesses in the management of pastures and forage resource utilization, which could be an impact on the profitability of these production systems.

Palabras clave : forage resource; pasture management; technical indicators.

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