A field plot experiment was conducted, in a split plot design with 12 replications to compare the percentages of crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibber (NDF) and in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD), of the whole plant and its leaf blades and stems of the grasses Marandu (Brachiaria brizantha Stapf. cv. Marandu), Setaria (Setaria sphacelata cv. Kazungula ) and Tanzania (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzania-1) in cuts taken at 35 days of growth in the spring (11/21 to 12/25/97), summer (12/29/97 to 02/02/98), fall (04/13 to 05/18/98) and winter (05/28/98 to 07/01/98). The plots were the grasses and the split-plots were the year seasons. Marandu and Tanzania did not differ for the CP and IVDMD percentages, but Tanzania NDF was higher than the ones of the other two grasses. Setaria showed high levels of CP but the least IVDMD. The best nutritive value, considering higher CP and IVDMD and lower NDF percentages, was observed during the autumn, for the three grasses.
crude protein; in vitro dry matter disappearance; neutral detergent fibber
