Bromatological composition of forage cactus grown in different spacings and chemical fertilizations

Abstract

The composition of the cactus pear at 620 days after planting was evaluated. A randomized block design, with 12 treatments and three replications was adopted, in a factorial arrangement of 3 x 4: three spacings (1.00 x 0.50, 2.00 x 0.25 and 3.00 x 1.00 x 0.25 m) and four fertilizations (0-0-0, 0-150-0, 200-150-0 and 200-150-100 kg ha-1) of N, P₂O₅ and K₂O, respectively. The mean levels of DM, CP, ADF, (ADIN)_DM, TN, (NDIN)_TN, (ADIN)_TN, non-fiber carbohydrates, crude protein degradation and rapid enzyme intermediate. Crude protein degradation and rapid enzyme intermediate differed (P < 0.05) for fertilization, regardless of spacing. Mean levels of OM and MM differed between spacings regardless of fertilization. CHT varied with fertilization and spacing independently. EE, NDF, NDF_AP, CEL, LIG, CIDN, non-fiber carbohydrates, available fiber and fiber unavailable (C) did not differ between the factors spacing and fertilization. Mean levels of HEM, neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen as a percentage of dry matter (NDIN)_DM, and dry matter production were dependent on interactions (P < 0.05) between fertilization and spacings. Addition of NP and NPK improve the bromatological quality of the palm and 1.00 x 0.50 m spacing increases the dry matter production.