Abstract
ABSTRACT The use of different types of concentrated supplements on the performance of Nellore calves grazing Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu in the dry season was evaluated. The experiment was conducted on 24 ha divided into 12 paddocks. Seventy-two calves with initial body weight (BW) 176±14kg for 140 days of experiment were used. Evaluated treatments included: Mineral, Salt+urea (mineral with 30% urea), Protein (supplementation with 45% crude protein (CP) and 46% total digestible nutrients (TDN)); and Protein+energy (with 28% CP and 73% TDN). The Mineral, Salt+urea, and Protein were offered ad libitum, and the Protein+energy 5g/kg BW. Protein+energy showed the highest (P< 0.05) intake (3.66g/kg BW) followed by the Protein (1.61), Salt+urea (0.36), and Mineral (0.32). The two latter supplements were not significantly different (P> 0.05). The highest (P< 0.05) average daily gain (ADG, kg/day) was observed in the Protein+energy (0.074). Average daily gains for the Protein and Salt+urea (0.014 and -0.024, respectively) were not significantly different (P> 0.05), but were significantly higher (P< 0.05) than the Mineral (-0.085). Therefore, during the dry season, to prevent the loss of bovine weight the supplements must supply in addition to minerals, also energy, non-protein nitrogen (NNP), and true protein.
Highlights
Quantitative and qualitative changes occur in tropical pastures during the drought and rainy seasons and in the transition period (Fernandes et al, 2016)
The animals treated with the Protein+energy and Protein supplement showed higher (P< 0.05) weight gain per ha (WG/ha) and final stocking rate (AU/ha) than those treated with the Protein supplement, this Protein supplement did not differ (P> 0.05) from the Salt+urea, and this did not differ (P> 0.05) from the Mineral treatment
The highest ADG (P< 0.05) was observed in the animals treated with the Protein+energy, followed by the Protein and Salt+urea supplement, which were similar (P> 0.05)
Summary
Quantitative and qualitative changes occur in tropical pastures during the drought and rainy seasons and in the transition period (Fernandes et al, 2016). These tropical pastures accumulate 77-90% of the total dry matter production (DM) during the rainy season between the months of October and February, comprising high stocking rates in this period. Drastic reductions in carrying capacity occur in the dry season reducing the production of DM and CP and TDN (Euclides et al, 2009). Pasture deferral coupled with feed supplements can meet the nutritional requirements of animals by offering an increased supply of nutrients and increased fiber forage degradation efficiency (Euclides et al, 2009). This study evaluated the use of concentrated supplements on the performance of Nellore calves grazing in marandu grass pastures during the dry season
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