Chemical composition and crude protein fractions of Coastcross grass under grazing on winter, spring and summer in Southern Brazil

the objective of this study work was to assess crude protein fractions in structural components (leaves, stem and dead material) of coastcross grass (cynodon dactylon (l.) pers) under grazing, on winter, spring and summer seasons, in the northwestern of paraná, south of brazil. were determined cp, ndf, adf contents and protein fractions, a, b1, b2, b3 and c. the analysis of cp showed great differences among months, but there was no difference among seasons. ndf and adf in the stem were lower (p < 0.05) during the spring. the season did not affect (p > 0.05) protein fractions a, b1, b2, b3 and c of leaves. however, it was observed that the highest proportions of cp were b3 and a fractions. for the stem, the most important crude protein fraction is a, and it was observed that b1 fraction was lowest (p < 0.05) in the spring. considering crude protein fractions of the coastcross grass, in this study conditions, we can conclude that coastcross grass presents adequate protein value for beef cattle production on pasture.