Chemical composition and IVDMD of elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum, Schum. cv. Napier) and mombaçagrass (Panicum maximum, cv. Mombaça) were evaluated using samples of esophageal extrusa and hand-plucked samples. Greater DM, CP, and non-protein N concentrations were observed in the elephantgrass. Chemical composition of mombaçagrass, mainly DM and N concentration, varied with grazing day. Potentially degradable carbohydrate fraction differed between sampling techniques. No differences were observed regarding the kinetics of carbohydrates degradation for both grasses.
esophageal extrusa; hand-plucked samples; tropical forages
