The objective ofthis study was to evaluate the chemical composition, digestibility and in situdegradation of dry matter of the diet consumed by sheep grazing on Panicummaximum cv. Tanzania under three defoliation frequencies, determined bythe interception of the photosynthetically active radiation in the canopy (PAR)of 85, 95 and 97% on the first and fourth days of the grazing period. A randomizedcomplete design in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement (three defoliation frequenciesand two days grazing), with four replications (poles). To determine the chemicalcomposition, digestibility and an in situ dry matter degradation trial,a grazing simulation was carried out on the 1st and 4thdays. Reduced defoliation frequency decreased the chemical composition, digestibilityand in situ degradation of the diet. Thus defoliation frequency of tanzaniagrass is recommended of less or equal to 95% photosynthetically active radiationto maintain pasture quality.
