The objective of the present study was to use the observed data on the changes of the neutral detergent fiber (NDF), lignin and carbohydrate fractions and of the related degradation rates of 15 sugar cane varieties, to evaluate this nutrient availability in promoting the milk production of the crossbred Holstein cows using the CNCPS system. A concentrate supplement compose by corn silage, whole cottonseed and soybean meal and urea was used to attend the nutritional requirement of this animals to produce 10 kg of daily milk. The values used to predict the response in the milk production were: NDF (%DM) - 40,50 and 60, lignin (%NDF) 10,14 and 18, digestion rates (% /h) of the non fiber carbohydrates (NFC) - 10,20 and 30 and digestion rate (% /h) of the fiber carbohydrates (FC) - 1, 2,5 and 4. The sugar cane, when used as main forage in the diet, caused a reduction in the dry matter intake and energy, limiting the milk production of these animals. The prediction of the amount of milk that could be produced in function of the amount of energy metabolizable (ME), supplied by the diet, decreased 24% when the FDN content increased from 40 to 60%, for a 14% of lignin. There was also an increment of 14% in the milk production when the FC digestion rate increased from 1 to 2,5%/h. Although the changes in the of NDF and lignin contents and in the carbohydrate digestion rates of the sugar cane varieties, have promoted a great effect on the crossbred Holstein cows milk production, it is necessary to validate these results.
