The objective of this work was to evaluate the agronomic performance of Xaraés palisadegrass [Brachiaria brizantha (A. Rich.) Stapf cv. Xaraés] in response to rotational grazing managements defined by either pre-graze canopy light interception (LI) or calendar days. Mean pre-graze sward height was 29.5 cm for the 95% LI pastures, 41.6 cm for 100% LI, and 34.2 cm for the 28-day schedule. Mean post-graze sward height was 14.6 cm across treatments, which corresponded to a mean 0.73 leaf area index, 42% LI and 65.2º foliage angle. At pre-graze, foliage angles were not affected by grazing management (mean = 41.6º). Sward height and LI were highly correlated across treatments. Grazing at 100% LI resulted in longer intervals between grazings and higher herbage accumulation than the other two treatments, although this higher accumulation corresponded mainly to large amounts of stem and dead material.
light interception; LAI; leaf angle; rotational grazing
