Natural Dichanthium aristatum pastures are the base of grazing systems in Guadeloupe (FWI). Their use by a stock of Creole suckling cows was studied from different points of vue. Phytosociological and agronomical aspects were observed in order characterize botanical composition, sward growth and animal intake. Without any nitrogen fertilization, a regrowth duration of 35 days is adapted to the turn over of Dichanthium leaves. A grazing time of 7 days gives a satisfactory browse of the native species Dichanthium aristatum and Desmodium incanum. This delay is too long for the introduced species Siratro, persistency of which could be reduced. These results show the better adaptation of natural species to pasture management. Is is suggested that improved species of good palatability, such as Siratro, are suitable as a protein bank. Suckling management during the dry season leads to an unadaptation of stocking rate to grass growth. The consequence is a bad use of light by the canopy, due to a low leaf area index during regrowth in this season.