Sward canopy structure and performance of beef heifers under supplementation in Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu pastures maintained with three grazing intensities in a continuous stocking system
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Data
2011-10-01
Autores
Casagrande, Daniel Rume [UNESP]
Ruggieri, Ana Cláudia [UNESP]
Moretti, Matheus Henrique [UNESP]
Berchielli, Telma Teresinha [UNESP]
Vieira, Bruno Ramalho [UNESP]
Roth, Anna Paula de Toledo Piza [UNESP]
Reis, Ricardo Andrade [UNESP]
Título da Revista
ISSN da Revista
Título de Volume
Editor
Sociedade Brasileira de Zootecnia
Resumo
The objective of this study was to assess the sward canopy structure of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu pastures maintained in three grazing intensities under continuous stocking system during the rainy season, along with the behavior and performance of grazing beef heifers supplemented with mineral salt or an energy/protein supplement. Three levels of forage allowance were assessed: 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 kg of forage/kg of live weight, combined with two supplements (ad libitum mineral salt, and an energy/protein supplement at 0.3% of live weight/day, supplied daily). The experiment was designed as a randomized block study with two replications. The supplements did not influence the variables related to the canopy structure. Canopy height was greater at higher forage allowances during the late summer and early fall. Similarly, the stem mass was greater in pastures with higher forage allowances. Animals fed protein supplement spent less time grazing than animals supplemented with mineral salt. Stocking rate was higher in pastures with lower forage allowance levels, which increased the live weight gain per grazing area. Daily weight gain did not vary according to the forage allowance levels. The use of an energy/protein supplement did not affect the stocking rate; however, it increased individual live weight gain and live weight gain per grazing area compared with mineral salt supplementation. The use of energy/protein supplements is an efficient alternative to enhance animal performance and production under grazing systems during the rainy season
Descrição
Palavras-chave
canopy height, forage allowance, grazing time, number of feedings supplementation time
Como citar
Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia. Sociedade Brasileira de Zootecnia, v. 40, n. 10, p. 2074-2082, 2011.