Impact of energy-mineral supplementation on the performance of young bulls from varied genetic groups during the pasture growth phase and in subsequent feedlot evaluation

Abstract

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of young bulls from different genetic groups supplemented on pasture, and to assess the residual effect of supplementation during the feedlot phase. The experiment was divided into two stages, where young bulls received pasture supplementation during the rainy season (mineral and mineral-energetic), and subsequently, were sent to the feedlot. For this purpose, three genetic groups were tested (Nelore, ½Canchim½Nelore, ½Brangus½Nelore), along with two supplementation strategies (mineral and mineral-energetic). The animals during the rearing phase had access to Cynodon spp. cv. Tifton 85 pasture, being managed under the intermittent grazing method. The ½Brangus½Nelore animals exhibited higher weights at the beginning and end of the feedlot period. Regarding the average daily gain, no differences were observed between the supplementation strategies, resulting in an average value of 1.58 kg day−1. Animals treated with mineral supplement during rearing showed an increase of 11.89% in dry matter intake for ½Brangus½Nelore, while for ½Canchim½Nelore animals, this supplementation strategy resulted in increases of 5.38%. The ½Brangus½Nelore animals showed higher initial and final weights in the feedlot. While the supplementation strategy does not impact the performance of the animals in the final phase of the production cycle.