Study o f the chemical composition of some forage plants from axeas of Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil

Abstract

The chemical composition of 4 forage species: Colonião (Panicum maximum Jacq.), Jaraguá (Hyparihenia rufa (Ness) Stapf), Pangola (Digitaria decumbens, Stent) and Angolinha (Eriochloa polystachya (H.B.K.) Hitch), raised in county, a restricted area of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, was determined. The samples were collected monthly during the summer and the fall seasons. Rainfall indicators were also recorded. Data of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, nitrogen-free extract and ash were obtained. The results showed significant differences in crude fiber, nitrogen-free extract and ash levels among grasses (P<0.05). The Jaraguá grass showed the highest ash content (11.0%) while the Pangola and Colonião grasses had the highest percentage of crude protein (7.2%). None forage showed enough protein to supply the minimum requirements of beef cattle range.