Oliveira et al., 2000. Rev. Bras. Zootec., 29 (6): 1949-1960

Bermudagrass ‘Tifton 85’ (Cynodon spp.) yield and nutritive value at different ages of regrowth, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63 and 70 days, were evaluated. A randomized complete block design, with four replicates, was used. Dry matter yield linearly increased with plant age and ranging from 3,130 to 12,320 kg DM/ha, from 14 to 70 days of regrowth. As plant age increased, blade/ stem ratio decreased in a quadratic response, with values ranging from 1.39 to .45, from 14 to 70 days of regrowth. The neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber contents showed a quadratic effect with regrowth age, with maximum estimated values of 79.2 and 42.3%, respectively, at 51 and 60 days of regrowth. The in vitro dry matter disappearance coefficients showed a quadratic response with the regrowth age, with a minimum value of 45.8% at 65 days. There was a linear decrease in the crude protein, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium contents as regrowth age increased, while lignin content linearly increased. Optimum combination between herbage yield and nutritive value was obtained around 28 to 35 days of regrowth.