Dry Matter Yield, in Vitro Digestibility, Protein and Fiber Composition of 'Tifton 9' Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) at Six Maturities

Dry Matter Yield, in Vitro Digestibility, Protein and Fiber Composition of 'Tifton 9' Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) at Six Maturities

The objective of this research was to evaluate dry matter yield, in vitro digestibility, and the concentrations of protein and cell wall components in 'Tifton 9’clipped at six maturities. Herbage was cut at the age of 20, 27, 34, 41, 48 and 55 days. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with six trataments (ages) and four replications. Dry matter yield and acid detergent fiber ranged from 188 g m^-2, to 593 g m^-2 and 386.9 g kg^-1 to 375.1 g kg^-1 respectively, with the cubic regression model having the best fit (P< 0.05). Concentrations of crude protein decreased linearly (P< 0.05) from 121 to 69 g kg^-1. Neutral detergent fiber concentration and “in vitro” digestibility, were not affected (P> 0.05) by maturity, in the range studied. Dry matter yield, digestibility and concentration of fiber components presented values similar to other tropical forages, whereas the crude protein remained above 100.5 g kg^-1, only until the 27^th day, according to the regression model.