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Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B.K. Simon & S.W.L. Jacobs (=Panicum maximun Jacq.) was introduced in Cuba in1967, from Guadeloupe Island, and in 1977 the genetic improvement work started at the EEPF Indio Hatuey. In this sense, the objective of this article is to analyze the results reached in Cuba in systems that utilize M. maximus for its characteristics of adaptation to climate change and its potentialities in the tropical area. Among the priority purposes of the improvement program the selection of high productivity varieties was found, with good responses in the dry season and high nutritional value. Introduced cultivars, clones from the Cuban population, apomictic hybrids, sexual plants and somaclones were selected. The somaclones and hybrids made a significant contribution in the nutritional quality index in relation to natural populations. It was proven that M. maximus adapts to different edaphoclimatic conditions; according to the evaluation of its underground phytomass it withstands drought, has high yields, high production of botanical seed, adequate nutritional value, good associative capacity with different herbaceous legumes, tolerate the shade in systems with trees, tends to be quite resistant to pests; good quality is achieved in silages with and without additives, also a high potential for milk and meat production. It is considered that the evaluated and recommended varieties of M. maximus have the requisites to be included in animal husbandry ecosystems resilient to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to review essential aspects of the contribution of intensive rational management to low-emission animal husbandry, a set of effects related to climate change and its repercussion on the soil-plant-animal relation were considered, in which emphasis is made on the results obtained in Cuba. The world faces extreme climate events, such as: drought, flooding, temperature increase, among others. In turn, the decrease in land productivity, soil degradation and pastures, decrease of animal production, make countries more vulnerable to climate change. The world agriculture represents 14 % of greenhouse gas emissions; while Cuba is responsible for 18 % of the total emissions. The studies conducted on intensive rational grazing have had positive repercussion in different countries of the area. There are results on the rational management of different cultivated grasses and its effect on the stability of floristic composition, dry matter availability, pests and diseases, nutrient recycling, soil biota and underground phytomass. From the contribution of the ecological management of intensive grazing systems to develop low-emission animal husbandry, results are provided that represent a resilient choice in the face of climate change and a contribution to the food self-sufficiency of countries. In this sense, the challenge is the transition or reconversion of conventional systems to agroecological, resilient systems, which allow to decrease CO2-eq emissions and increase sinks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]