Nutritional parameters and production of calves on pasture supplemented with different sources of protein foods

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of multiple supplements with different protein sources on the performance, intake, nutrient digestibility, and microbial protein production efficiency of lactating beef heifers under grazing. The experiment was carried out during the period of transition from water-dry (February to July, 2012) using four paddocks with average of 4.5 ha. Twenty four lactating beef heifers with initial body weight of 113 kg and 3 month old, were used. The treatments were: mineral mixed (MM) ad libitum, soybean meal (SM), cottonseed meal 38% crude protein (CM), and combination of SM and CM (SMCM). There was not observed effect (P>0.10) of different protein sources on average daily gain (ADG) between the animals that received multiple supplement as well as difference was not verified for ADG between the multiple supplements and MM. Therefore, cottonseed meal can replace soybean meal or can be used in association to the soybean meal on multiple supplements for lactating beef heifers.