Abstract
Grazing experiment was conducted to compare pasture utilization and herbage accumulation responses of pangolagrass Digitaria eriantha Steud. cv. Transvala (Tr) and giant stargrass Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst (Gs) in south western islands, Japan. The experiment was evaluated by using Japanese Black cattle in 2002 and 2003. Mean value of pasture allowance before grazing of Tr was lower than that of Gs, because crop growth rate of Tr in non-grazing period was lower than that of Gs during the experiment. The annual mean herbage intake and TDN intake of Gs were estimated to be adequate in both year, except Tr that showed slightly low pasture allowance in winter in 2003. Carrying capacity (CD) obtained on the Tr and Gs pasture were 1942 CD/ha and 2227 CD/ha, respectively. Grazing for 7 days and non-grazing for about 30 days was desirable rotation for both the pastures. Stocking rate of Gs pasture was 6.9 head/ha in summer season (April to November, above 20℃), and 4.2 head/ha in winter season (December to March, below 20℃). On the other hand, stocking rate of Tr pasture was 6.5 head/ha in summer season, but 3.4 head/ha in winter season, which was subj ect to overgrazing because it remarkably decreased herbage mass in winter season with below 20℃.
