Nutritional Characteristics of Brachiaria brizantha Cultivars Subjected to Different Intensities Cutting

Abstract

This study evaluated the nutritional characteristics of Brachiaria brizantha cultivars subjected to three cutting intensities in the course of one year. The experiment was conducted at the University of Rio Verde. The experiment was performed as a randomized 3 × 3 factorial in complete block design with three replications and repeated measures in the time. Three Brachiaria brizantha cultivars (Marandu palisadegrass, Xaraes palisadegrass, and Piata palisadegrass), were tested at three cutting intensities (10, 20, and 30 cm sward height). The evaluations were conducted on the same plots throughout one year and during all four seasons (autumn, winter, spring, and summer). The results showed that the Piata palisadegrass had the best chemical composition compared to the Marandu palisadegrass and Xaraes palisadegrass. The management of Brachiaria brizantha cultivars at the lowest residual height (10 cm) affected the nutritional value of these feed grasses. Seasonality also influenced the nutritional value of these forages.