This work had the objective to evaluate the forage potential of Paspalum dilatatum Poir. biotype Virasoro and Festuca arundinacea Schreb., an exotic species in the southern regions of Brazil. The individual plant shoots were harvested for twelve months, cultivated in the field, and evaluated as for the dry matter availability (DMA), crude protein (CP) and neutral and acid detergent fiber (NDF and ADF). The virasoro showed seasonal cicle, with the maximum DMA in the spring/summer period (98 g DM/plant), while tall fescue had the top DMD in the winter/spring period (100 g DM/plant). The virasoro showed higher CP in the leaves (19,09%) in relation to tall fescue (17.8%), but the latter had the smallest values of ADF (29%) in relation to the former (43%); the ADF in the leaves did not present any differences among the species with the average of 62%. In the culm, the differences were observed only during the fall period (fescue=19.9%; virasoro=73.9%). The Virasoro was not infected by Claviceps paspali, which commonly occurs in P. dilatatum, indicating the possible resistance. The Virasoro biotype own characteristics as forage plant being a good option for the warm season.
fiber; mass of forage; protein
