Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate protein supplementation on the performance of steers grazing on Mombaça grass and receiving chopped sugar cane tops at a level of 0.80% of live weight (dry matter (DM) basis), during the dry season. Forage availability and quality of the experimental pasture were also evaluated. Thirty-two Nellore steers, weighing 300 kg (± 25.80) of initial live weight, eight per treatment, were used. The statistical design was completely randomized and each steer group was allocated to one of four paddocks (1.125 ha paddock-1). All steers received a protein supplement at 0.40% of live weight (DM basis) and the four treatments consisted of the following four crude protein (CP) concentrations in supplements: 12.5, 25.0, 37.5 and 50.0% CP (DM basis). Average forage mass availability and green leaf blades availability were 10,069 and 2,195 kg of DM ha-1, respectively. Average CP, neutral fiber detergent (NDF) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) in forage mass were 6.87, 62.63 and 49.80%, respectively. Average daily gain was 0.61 kg steer-1 day-1 and these results show that the strategy of feeding steers in pasture, with chopped sugar cane tops (0.80% LW) and protein supplement with 12.50% CP (0.40% LW), during the dry season, allows high gain per area (363 kg live weight ha-1).
Highlights
Animal nutrition has generally been recognized as being basically dependent on four factors: animal requirements, feedstuff nutrient content and digestibility, and animal feed intake
There was no influence of periods (p > 0.05) on forage mass (FM), stem + green sheath (SGS) and dead material (DMT) (Table 3)
There was a tendency (p = 0.087) of decrease in green leaf blade (GLB), but GLB/SGS ratio remained similar across the periods
Summary
Animal nutrition has generally been recognized as being basically dependent on four factors: animal requirements, feedstuff nutrient content and digestibility, and animal feed intake. In this consideration, to optimize ruminant production from. Animal Sciences pasture it is necessary to adjust the seasonal deficit of nutrients required by the animals, and improve forage digestibility and intake, mainly through supplementation. In tropical regions, during the dry season animal production is limited by quality and forage availability. Brazilian beef production systems are supported mainly by pasture, which increases the importance of a correct grazing management that allows animals to obtain essential nutrients for good performance
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