Production of Brachiaria humidicola Suprayed EM 4 (Effective Microorganisms) in Grazing Sheep

Abstract

The main problems of tropical pasture for grazing animals is low production and quality of herbage, and high infestation of nematode. One of various methods to improve herbage productivity and quality, and to minimize harmful effects due to parasites infestation was introduced the Effective Microorganism (EM 4) in to the pasture. This experiment has been conducted in June 2004 - February 2005 at Jonggol Animal Science Teaching and Research Unit (JASTRU) Bogor, West Java. Forty eight female sheep that herded rotationally on Brachiaria humidicola pasture. The purpose of the experiment was to study the effect of EM 4 to grass production and consumption, sheep body weight gain and nematode eggs number. This experiment arranged in split plot design replicated in time consisted of 2 factors. The stocking rates was the main plot consisted of three levels: 2 sheep, 4 sheep, and 6 sheep/paddock. The EM 4 concentrations as the sub plot consisted of four levels: 0 ml (without EM 4), 10 ml, 20 ml and 30 ml EM 4 / l water. The results were 1) The dry matter production of Brachiaria humidicola subjected to 2 sheep/paddock is significantly (P<0.05) higher than 4 and 6 sheep/paddock, as well as the use of 10; 20; 30 ml EM 4/l water compared to “without EM 4” treatment. 2) The higher stocking rate linearly decreased the body weight gain of sheep. 3) The highest number of nematode eggs significantly occurred in the beginning of rainy season and in the grazing area untreated with EM 4. Key words: Grazing, Effective Microorganisms,