Supplementation of the diets of three genetic groups of crossbred steers on Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu pasture - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v33i4.10872

Abstract

This trial was carried out to study the effects of supplementation level on performance of steers from different genetic groups (Nellore x Red Angus (NR), Nellore (NL) and Holstein crossbred (MH), and three experimental periods. The performance data for first period were analyzed according to randomized block (RB) design, with 3 treatments ((NR, NL and MH)) and 3 blocks. In second period, the RB design used with 3 x 3 factorial design, and 3 blocks. Factor A determined the group (NL and MH) and factor B the supplementation levels (0.2, 0.6 and 1% LW). In third period, the data were evaluated according to completely randomized design, with 2 x 3 factorial design. Factor A determined the group and factor B, three levels of supplementation. In the first, higher weight gain (p < 0.05) was observed for NR (0.79 kg day^-1). The concentrate intake varied for N. NR showed higher (p < 0.05) WG (0.91 kg day^-1) compared to NL (0.75 kg day^-1) and MH (0.76 kg day^-1). The levels of supplements influenced (p< 0.05) WG (0.68, 0.81 and 0.92 referring to levels of 0.2, 0.6 and 1.0% LW). In third period, MH presented greater WG < 0.05) (0.895 kg day^-1). No difference was verified on animals with 0.8 and 1.2% LW, with WG of 0.92 and 0.82 kg day^-1