The objective of this experiment was to evaluate dry matter production, in vitro dry matter digestibility, variability in chemical composition and in macro and micro mineral contents for Transvala digitgrass (Digitaria decumbens Stent.), as related to the age at cutting. The experimental design was completely randomized, with six treatments, replicated five times. Treatments consisted of six cutting ages spaced 10 days apart, with the first cut made 20 days after staging. Dry matter production increased linearly (P < 0.05) with the age of the plant and in vitro dry matter digestibility and crude protein concentration decreased quadratically (P < 0.05). Conversely, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber concentrations increased quadratically (P < 0.05) with the age of the plant and the concentrations of the phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur decreased quadratically (P < 0.05). Concentrations of copper and zinc decreased quadratically (P < 0.05), whereas that of manganese increased quadratically (P < 0.05). Results showed that the cutting age to be recommend should be between days 30 to 40, if a well balanced feeding material of high quality that would satisfy animal nutritional requeriments, is desired.
Digitaria decumbens; chemical composition; cutting age; pasture