Abstract

DEMINICIS, B.B. et al. Germination of seeds in bovine dung. Arch. zootec. [online]. 2009, vol.58, n.221, pp.73-84. ISSN 1885-4494.

The experiment was conducted at the UFRRJ and the seed laboratory of PESAGRORIO, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil, in order to evaluate the germination of seeds in bovine dung, in field. The legumes used were: Leucaena leucocephala, Clitorea ternatea, Calopogonium mucunoides, Neonotonia wightii and Macrotyloma axillare. Seed administration was carried out through esophagic sounding (200 seeds/animal) of only one specie. The droppings were collected at 6 hours intervals up to 48 hours after ingestion. Feces were placed in plots of 50 x 70 cm of Paspalum notatum. Germinated seeds were counted at 30, 60 and 90 days. The experimental design employed was completely randomised, being 5 treatments (species) with 4 repetitions. The highest germination rate was found in Clitorea ternatea, as approximately 19% from the ingested seeds germinated in the dung. The highest germinated seeds concentration was found at 18 to 24 hrs with 29.56% followed by 24 to 30 hrs with 20.44%, remembering what 100% is equal 102 plants. The results of this study suggests as the bovine can be used for practical and low cost introduction of legumes for improving or recuperation of pastures in Brazil.

Keywords : Bovine feces; Ruminal scarification; Legumes; Pasture.

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