Marandu grass pastures with the same average height and different horizontal structures change the feeding behavior of grazing sheep?

ABSTRACT The objective was to investigate the feeding behavior of sheep in marandu grass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu) pastures under continuous stocking with same average height and different horizontal structures. treatments were composed less heterogeneous (P-H, 24% coefficient variation plant heights more (P+H, 46% heights) locations picket, front back, also evaluated. A randomized block design used, split plots space four replications two years. Crossbred lambs managed variable rate, maintain at 30 cm. Greater masses total forage, live leaf, stem dead material, greater time rumination, occurred front, relation paddock background. In P-H, grazing (GT) did not vary between regions. P+H, GT lower than Idle (IT) similar P-H P+H. However, animals remained IT is modified height, but spatial variability vegetation.