The potential for use of Tanzania grass (Panicum maximum cv. Tanzania) cut at different ages for the production of silage was evaluated. In the first experiment, Tanzania grass, cut at 42, 63, 84, 107, and 126 days of growth, was evaluated considering its productivity, agronomic characteristics and chemical composition. It was observed gain in height of Tanzania grass until the 84th day, with increased the production of green fodder and mass production of dry material with the advancing age of cutting. It also resulted in a decrease in the percentage of leaves and an increase in the percentage of stems. Regarding chemical composition, it was detected a decrease in crude protein percentage and an increase of fibrous fractions with the advancing of age. The results were reflected in the kinetics of rumen fermentation of Tanzania grass cut on the 42nd, 63rd, 84th, 107th, and 126th days, described by semi-automated in vitro gas production technique, showing less potential for gas production, lower fractional of fermentation and, consequently, less effective degradability of dry matter. For the production of grass silage, it is recommended cutting the Tanzania grass from 42 to 63 days of age.
Tanzania grass; Panicum maximum; bromatological composition; gas production
