Principais alimentos utilizados em dietas para bovinos em sistema de confinamento

Abstract

The confinement of beef cattle in the finishing phase is a strategic tool that aims to increase the profitability of properties, as it reduces the age at slaughter of animals destined for fattening. In the dry season of the year, period of greater forage shortage, the finishing of cattle in confinement based on forage and concentrate of good quality, allows the slaughter of the animals and greater return for the producer. However, it is worth mentioning that food represents 70% of the costs of the diet, so it is important to analyze which food sources can be used to meet the animals' requirements and the cost/benefit ratio. Forage feeds are those that have a crude fiber content greater than 18% in dry matter, such as perennial fodder, corn silage. Concentrates are those with less than 18% crude fiber in the dry matter and can be classified as protein (more than 20% crude protein) for example soy, or energy (less than 20% crude protein) for example corn. As it is the main factor linked to the system, it is important to analyze which food sources are most used and which possible substitutes can be used in order to increase the cost benefit without limiting nutritional gains. The present work aims to analyze which products and by-products can be used in the diets of animals in confinement without reducing quality and weight gains, at this stage, also aiming to increase profitability and profitability.