The objective ofthis research was to evaluate elephantgrass pasture on forage production andstocking rate, comparing conventional and agro-ecological production systems.In the conventional system, elephantgrass was established in a singular form,in rows spaced by 1.4 m. In the agro-ecological system, the elephantgrass wasestablished spaced by 3 m and, in the space between lines, ryegrass in coolseason was introduced, allowing the development of spontaneous growing speciesin the warm-season. Herbage mass, forage production, daily accumulation rateof dry matter, botanical and structural composition and stocking rate were evaluated.Hand-plucking samples were collected to determine crude protein, neutral detergentfiber, acid detergent fiber, in vitro digestibility of dry and organicmatter. The experimental design was completely randomized, with two treatments(conventional and agro-ecological systems), two replications (paddocks) andrepeated measures (grazing cycles). Higher values of herbage mass, forage production,daily accumulation rate of dry matter and stocking rate were observed in theconventional system. Leaf blade/steam ratio was similar between systems. Highervalues of crude protein were observed in the agro-ecological system. Elephantgrassin conventional system presents higher forage production with lower values ofcrude protein. The agro-ecological system presents best forage distributionthroughout the year.
