Natal grass (Melinis repens) is an invasive species which displaces native grasses. Such invasion is extended to the center-south region of the state of Chihuahua. The objective of this study was to evaluate forage production natal grass and nutritional value for cattle. The experiments were conducted on the 'Salinas' Ranch, located in the municipality of 'Satev�', Chihuahua, in a brush grassland with an 87.5 % invasion of natal grass. Forage production was determined quadrant of 0.25 m2. Botanical composition of the area was determined by the line-point intercept method. Sampling was conducted from August 2013 to February 2014. Two esophageal fistulated cross Hereford-Angus animals (350 � 5 kg) were used to collect samples to determine nutritional value. Variables measured were: crude protein (CP), non-digestible nitrogen (ADIN), organic matter (OM), in vitro digestibility of organic matter (DIVMO), digestive (NDF) and non-digestive fiber (ADF). Average forage production (DM) was 1279 kg/ha-1. The highest levels of CP were reached during the regrowth (July 2013;13.23 � 1.10%), and flowering (10.71 � 1.10%) stages. Digestibility (July 2013-February 2014) ranged from 36.56�1.86% to 43.06�1.86%.
Oral presentation and poster titles, abstracts, and authors from the Society for Range Management (SRM) Annual Meetings and Tradeshows, from 2013 forward.