<b>Supplementation frequency on the diet of growing steers at <em>Brachiaria brizantha</em> pasture in the Amazonian region. Animal performance</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v27i4.1180

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to analyze the effect of the diet supplement frequency on the performance of Nelore steers during growing phase at Brachiaria brizantha pasture in the Amazonian area. A total of fifty-six castrated steers of 228 kg initial weight and 10 months of age, supplemented daily, twice or three times a week, were used. The supplements consisted of corn and soybean meal of 24% of crude protein and were supplied in equivalent quantities of 0.4 kg/day. The utilized experimental design was entirely randomized in split plot and the averages were compared by Tukey test, at 5% probability. The weight gain of animals was not affected by the different supplementation frequencies (the average of the daily weight gain was 0.60 kg). Results showed that the supplement three times a week may be utilized as a resource for a higher maximization of labor, which provides a reduction in the production cost