The objective of this work was to evaluate forage nutritive value by determining the crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) from forage submitted to some agro-ecologic practices. Two paddocks, each one with 0.15 ha, were used in the evaluation. The elephantgrass was planted in 2001, spaced 3 m between rows. Mixture of oat and ryegrass during the winter period and spontaneous growing species in the summer period has been planted/left between the rows. It was applied organic fertilizer in the rate of 150 kg/ha of N. Seven grazing cycles were carried out during the experimental period from 04/24/2004 to 05/05/2005. Holstein cows receiving 3.5 kg/daily complementary concentrate feed were used in the evaluation. The initial forage mass, the botanical composition, and the structural components of elephantgrass pastures were evaluated. Hand-plucked samples were collected to analyze the nutritive value. The experimental design utilized was randomized blocks, with two replicates (paddocks) and seven treatments (grazings along the time). The best results for nutritive value were found during the winter period. Negative correlations between CP with IVDMD and positive between NDF with elephantgrass leaf lamina biomass were found. The elephantgrass pasture, managed under agro-ecologic principles, showed high nutritional value and productivity, both during the summer and during the winter, making the animal production more sustainable along the year.
crude protein; dry matter in vitro digestibility; mixed pastures; neutral detergent fiber
