The objective of this work was to evaluate sward structural characteristics, yield potential and forage nutritional quality in Megathyrsus maximus cultivars managed under pre-defined defoliation intensities in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. The experiment was carried out in the agricultural area of the Instituto Federal de Education, Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Sul – Campus Sertão, RS. The experimental design was complete randomized blocks with two treatments (Kenya and Aruana cultivars) and four replications. Structural, productive and bromatological characteristics were evaluated. General characteristics of productive and structural potential during the experimental period were higher for cv. Kenya. There were interaction effects for the variables of dry matter content (DM) Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) for the respective Kenya cultivar with lower content for cv. Aruana. The implantation of cultivars makes it possible to estimate the positive, significant impact on Livestock Production Units, if forage plants are incorporated into animal production systems in the Northeast of the State of Rio Grande do Sul.