Forage Accumulation and Nutritional Characteristics of Brachiaria Cultivars Grown in a Semi-arid Environment

The evaluation of the nutritional value and parameters ruminal fermentation tropical forages is important, aiming at its efficient use in ruminant feeding. This study was developed to evaluate forage accumulation, chemical composition, protodioscin content, digestibility, vitro degradation kinetics different Brachiaria spp. cultivars periods. research carried out semi-arid region Brazil, from April 2016 2017. experiment laid as a split-plot arrangement randomized block design which five ( B. decumbens cv. Basilisk, brizantha cvs. Marandu, Paiaguás, Piatã, Xaraés) represented plot four periods (establishment, transition, dry, rainy) subplot. There cultivar × period interaction effect for accumulation rate (FAR), Xaraés showed highest mean (54.1 kg/ha.day DM) rainy season. lowest yield found Paiaguás dry season (24.1 DM). Cultivars had crude protein content. matter digestibility values were Basilisk periods; Marandu transition period, Piatã their establishment. A correlation between composition. content during establishment (5.5 g/kg low (<1.0 can be used options environment, potential are suitable animal production even lower water availability.