Forage and Silage
Mulato II
Productivity: In Thailand on low fertility soils, Mulato II produces between 14 and 17 t/dry matter per hectare/year. 70% is produced in the 6 month wet season and 30% in the 6 month dry season under no irrigation. Mulato II is very drought tolerant.
Crude protein levels: 10-14% crude protein inThailand on poor soils and 12-17 % crude protein on better soils inFlorida,USA.
Animal production:In Florida USA, young animals grazing Mulato pastures at 4-6 heifers/ha averaged 0.4-0.6 kg, liveweight per day with no concentrates.
Grazing management: Can be either rotationally grazed or set stocked. Management depends on the farmer’s experience. Most farmers in Southeast Asia prefer cut-and-carry. Therefore cut every 40-45 days in the wet season and 60-70 days in the cool season.
Establishment: Can be either planted in rows, 50 cm apart, or broadcast sown at 10-12 kg/ha. Sow the seed on to the soil surface, brush the seed with soil by using tree branches or large brooms. Bury the seed no more than 1-2 cm under the soil.
Seed: Mulato II grass seed is acid scarified to give seed high viability (90%+), high germination (80%+) and high purity (98-99%). This good quality ensures rapid establishment of pastures.
