Seasonal Variation of \u3ci\u3eBrachiaria\u3c/i\u3e spp. Quality in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso Do Sul, Brazil

This study aims to evaluate the dry matter yield and the crude protein (CP) of Brachiaria decumbens and Brachiaria humidicola and soil covering by these species, considering stand lasting age and hydrologic cycle periods in the Pantanal, from November 1996 to November 1997. Dry matter yield presented differences between hydrologic cycle periods and age, and their interactions. B. decumbens and B. humidicola over 10 years comparison yielded the largest amount of dry matter yield, observed in February. B. humidicola growth rate was slower than B. decumbens. Pastures stand ages did not cause differences in crude protein, but differences have been observed when considered different species, hydrologic cycle periods and also the interaction of hydrologic cycle periods with age. B. decumbens presented the highest values of CP contents. There were differences of soil covering within hydrologic cycle periods