Diferimento de capim-buffel no Norte de Minas: produção, composição química e degradabilidade in situ

The experiment was carried out in order to evaluate the effects of differed use during growth season on forage accumulation and the nutritive values of buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris cv. Malopo) to be used during dry season in North region of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. A split spot design in randomized complete blocks with three replications was used. Treatments were arranged according to a 3x3 factorial scheme: three differing months in plot (January, February and March) and three utilization months in subplot (June, July and August). The neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and crude protein (CP) were analyzed. The samples were evaluated through in situ digestibility in comparison to the differed months and the utilization in June and July of the first year and July and August of second year. No significant effects were found on differed months on the dry matter production (medium value 8,005kg ha-1). The avarege contents of leaves CP and NDF were 7.3 and 74.05%, respectively. It was produced 10,057; 7,779 and 6,177kg ha-1 in June, July and August, respectively. The leaves CP were significantly reduced in July and August. The foliar NDF and ADF contents were not affected by utilization months, average values were 74.05 and 45.41%, respectively. The leave ’ s digestibility differed in March was higher than February and January, with 58.90; 48.87 and 47.13 %, respectively, in 24 hours of incubation. It can be concluded that buffelgrass should be differed in March and used in June.