The experiment was conducted to evaluate the changes on the chemical composition and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of the Brachiaria decumbens Stapf, Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst ex. A. Rich) Stapf, jaragua (Hyparrhenia rufa Ness Stapf) hays, harvested following the seed ripening stage and treated with anhydrous ammonia (3.0% DM) or urea (5.4% DM). The data showed that anhydrous ammonia and urea decreased NDF and hemicellulose contents with the same efficiency. The treatments did not change ADF, cellulose, and lignin contents. It was observed an increase in the nitrogen as compounds, TN and ADIN due to the ammoniation. The ADIN/TN ratio was reduced due to the ammoniation. The IVDMD increased due to the changes observed in the chemical composition of the fiber, and the increase of the readily digestible nitrogen of the hays.
ammoniation; chemical composition; digestibility; hays; tropical grasses; urea
