Concentrate supplementation to beef cattle raised in integrated crop and livestock during rainy season

Abstract

Although the production of cattle fed concentrate supplement is growing, its application in association with integrated crop and livestock still needs further studies. This work was objective to evaluate the performance development of cattle grazing Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, consuming four different supplements, MM – mix mineral, SE – energy supplement, SEP – protein and energy supplement and SPE – energy protein and supplement. A total of 100 steers uncastrated, 57 crossbred (Holstein x Nelore) and 43 Nelore, with 15 months of average age and 280 ± 31 kg of body weight. The experiment consisted of four paddocks formed by B. brizantha cv. Marandu. The work was designed as factorial arrangement (2x4) in a completely randomized design, were evaluated two genetic groups and four different formulations of supplements. The quantity of supplements offer of 0.5 kg/animal/day for the SE, SEP and SPE, except the MM offered ad libitum. There was significant effect of genetic group on productive performance of animals, crossbred steers and that had better performance. The average daily and total gain weight, were higher in animals that consumed SE in relation to SM and SPE. The SE, allows animal performance superior to MS and SPE for grazing cattle in integrated crop and livestock during the rainy season. The rearing of crossbred steers (Holstein x Nelore) in integrated crop and livestock during the rainy presents better performance compared to recreate Nelore.