<b>Forage on offer for Nellore heifers supplemented during the drought and dry/rainy transition seasons</b> - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v33i1.9112

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the performance, intake and digestibility coefficient in the diet of Nellore heifers in the rearing period supplemented in grazing during the drought and dry/rainy transition seasons under different forage allowances. A total of 84 heifers were used, with approximately 146 ± 21.37 kg body weight (BW), divided into three treatments according to forage on offer levels of 5, 10 and 20% of BW. The animals were supplemented with 0.25% of BW, using a completely randomized design. The data were subjected to analysis of variance at 5% probability. There was a difference for forage availability in the first, fourth and fifth collections (p < 0.05).The use of offerings ranging between 5-20% did not affect digestibility. The offers of 10 and 20% were able to withstand the stocking rate during the trial period. The intakes did not differ (p > 0.05). The average daily gain was best for the 20% forage allowance (0.37 kg day^-1). Animals that received 10 and 5% forage showed better gains per area – 150.56 and 216.41 kg ha^-1. In this context, the use of 5% forage allowance is recommended.