Supplementation strategies for grazing beef cattle during the rainy-dry transition period
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5433/1679-0359.2017v38n2p895Keywords:
Digestibility, Infrequent supplementation, Intake, Performance, Self-feed supplementation.Abstract
An experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of supplementation strategies on intake, digestibility, and performance of Nellore cattle on pasture (Urochloa decumbens) during the rainy-dry transition period. The evaluated strategies were mineral supplementation (MS), self-feed supplementation (SF), and infrequent concentrate supplementation. Supplementation frequencies were three times per week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays - 3tw) and daily (7tw). Animals receiving concentrate supplementation had higher pasture DM and TDN intakes than those fed MS. There was no difference (P > 0.10) between concentrate supplementation strategies. Average pasture DM intake was 7.89, 8.09, and 8.10 kg day?1 for SF, 3tw, and 7tw, respectively. No effects were found (P > 0.10) between SF and infrequent supplementation, or for the supplementation frequencies tested. The lowest average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.10) was found for animals fed MS, and there was no difference between concentrate supplementation strategies for this variable. Average daily gains for MS, SC, 3tw, and 7tw were 661.4, 812.7, 811.5 and 819.2 g/animal, respectively. During the rainy-dry transition period, grazing beef cattle receiving concentrate supplementation have higher pasture and TDN intakes and better performance than animals fed mineral supplement only. Self-feed supplementation or supplementation provided three days per week do not compromise pasture and TDN intakes, nutrient digestibility, or performance of grazing beef cattle.Metrics
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2017 Semina: Ciências Agrárias
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
O Copyright dos manuscritos publicados pertence ao periódico. Como são publicados em um periódico de acesso aberto, eles estão disponíveis gratuitamente, para uso privado ou para fins educacionais e não comerciais.
A revista tem o direito de fazer, no documento original, alterações referentes às normas lingüísticas, ortografia e gramática, com o objetivo de garantir as normas padrão do idioma e a credibilidade da revista. No entanto, respeitará o estilo de escrita dos autores.
Quando necessário, alterações conceituais, correções ou sugestões serão encaminhadas aos autores. Nesses casos, o manuscrito deve ser submetido a uma nova avaliação após revisão.
A responsabilidade pelas opiniões expressas nos manuscritos é inteiramente dos autores.
