A study was conducted in Colima, México, with the objective to carry out a forage, energy and protein balance of a traditional dual purpose livestock production
system based on corn stubble (
Zea mays
) and star grass
(
Cynodon plectostachyus
) during the dry season.
This balance was carried out taking into consideration dry matter, energy, and protein requirements, production, availability and utilization, as well as
their imports to the production system. The production system was energetically sustainable, providing 99% of the cattle requirements. Dry matter and protein
production were insufficient, providing only 80 and 68% of the requirements, respectively. The producer was able to solve this deficit by importing local available
feedstuff, such as ground corncob with molasses and sugarcane tops (
Saccharum officinarum
).
It was apparent the need to introduce new technology and methods to improve this production system.