The objective ofthis study was to evaluate two grazing intervals (IG) for elephant grass (Pennisetumpurpureum Schum cv. Cameroon) pasture: one variable, determined by the entryof animals to the paddocks when 95% of active photosynthetic radiation was interceptedby the sward, and fixed 26-day grazing interval. Eight dairy cows were used,averaging 124 days lactation, 516 kg body weight and 17.5 kg daily milk productionat the beginning of the trial. The experimental period was 80 days divided intofour sub-periods of 20 days each. Data were analyzed in a cross-over design.The grazing frequencies did not influence milk production and composition, plasmaurea nitrogen, body condition score and variations in body weight. However,the stocking rate and milk production per hectare were higher for pasture withinterval of grazing determined by 95% of active photosynthetic radiation. Thusgrazing frequency defined in variable intervals by sward interception of activephotosynthetic radiation result in higher milk production per area unit.
