The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritive value of two pasture-based systems (PS), with elephant grass (EG) + ryegrass (RG) + white clover (WC) + spontaneous growing species (SGS), for PS1; and EG + RG + forage peanut (FP) + SGS, for PS2. Four paddocks, each one with 0.25 ha, were used in the assessment. A complete randomized block design was used with two replications (paddocks). The EG was established in rows with 4 m spacing. Pastures were fertilized with 50-40-40 kg/ha NPK formulated, respectively. Nine grazings were performed during the experimental period (326 days in PS1 and 336 in PS2). Holstein cows receiving 3.5 kg/daily complementary concentrate feed were used in the evaluation. The initial forage mass, botanical composition and structural components of EG were evaluated. Samples were collected by the hand-plucking method to analyze neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude protein (CP), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and total nutrient digestibility (TND). The mean values for NDF, CP, IVDMD, IVOMD and TDN were 47.71; 15.69; 77.28; 75.92; 65.00% in PS1; and 51.84; 14.62; 73.72; 72.27 and 63.06% in PS2, respectively. Superior results were detected for CP, IVDMD, IVOMD and TDN forage total in PS1 while superior NDF values were detected in PS2. In two pastures, the best nutritive value results were observed in the winter period. Both systems showed high qualitative values considering fertilization, management and use time.
elephant grass; forage peanut; ryegrass; white clover
