Abstract 46

Camarao,-AP; Braga,-E; Batista,-HAM

1988, No. 94, 17 pp.; 29 ref. Boletim de Pesquisa - Centro de Pesquisa Agropecuaria do Tropico Umido.

Andropogon gayanus cut at mean age 30, 60 or 90 days was analysed and supplied with minerals to 12 woolless wethers. Crude protein in whole plant and leaves always reached or exceeded 6 to 7%. The decrease in daily DM intake from 30 to 90 days of growth was quadratic. Crude protein content, leaf percentage and digestibility of DM and protein fell by 0.04, 0.98, 0.208 and 0.405% daily and crude fibre content increased by 0.07% with advancing stage of maturity. Leaf percentage showed a highly significant correlation with DM intake and with digestibility of DM and crude protein.