Abstract
Abstract This study aimed to assess the performance of intact and castrated beef cattle on the pasture of Brachiaria humidicola alone and intercropped with Arachis pintoi cv. BRS Mandobi. The experiment was carried out from February to June 2016 on the private property of a partner of Embrapa Acre. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2×2 factorial arrangement, with two sex classes (intact and castrated) and two types of pasture (alone and intercropped). The leaf to stem ratio was high (P<0.05) in the pasture alone. No significant difference was found for stocking rates. Dry matter intake was high (P<0.05) in the intercropped pasture compared to that alone, with means of 8.96 and 6.66 kg/ day, respectively. Animals managed in intercropped pastures had better performance (P<0.05) than those castrated under pasture alone. Nelore steers castrated at 20 months of age, managed under intercropped pastures, showed similar productive performance (P>0.05) to intact animals.
Highlights
The intensification of production systems, mainly beef cattle, is a fact in several regions of Brazil
Achieving maximum production potential by making the use of production factors more efficient is the result of economically viable technologies that can be implemented without high risk
Crude protein (CP) contents below 7% limit the fermentation rate by altering rumen microbial activity, affecting dry matter intake(3)
Summary
The intensification of production systems, mainly beef cattle, is a fact in several regions of Brazil. Achieving maximum production potential by making the use of production factors more efficient is the result of economically viable technologies that can be implemented without high risk. Brazilian livestock has a low technological level and its production is based on the use of large areas of natural or cultivated pastures(1). Tropical grasses of the genus Brachiaria often lack adequate nutritional quality to animal requirements despite their excellent adaptability and high dry matter production. Other materials that can complement the diet are used due to their protein, energy or mineral contribution, depending on the nutritional needs of the herd(2). Crude protein (CP) content in Brachiaria plants may not be satisfactory, especially in the driest periods of the year, when forage quality and dry matter production decrease significantly. CP contents below 7% limit the fermentation rate by altering rumen microbial activity, affecting dry matter intake(3)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
