Estratégias de Suplementação Alimentar de Novilhas no Período de Transição Águas-seca.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of Nelore heifers in Mombasa grass grazing receiving protein supplements with different levels of sodium chloride (6 and 12%) and protein-energetic supplements with different levels of crude protein (12 and 16%), . Twenty-four Nelore heifers, 18 months old and weighing 231.54 kg, were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with six replicates (animals) per treatment, being: T1 = protein supplement with 20% CP and 12% sodium chloride (NaCl), T2 = protein supplement with 20% CP and 6% sodium chloride (NaCl), T3 = energy supplement with 12% CP, T4 = energy supplement with 16% CP. Four pastures of Mombaça grass were used, with an average stocking rate of 3.39 AU / ha. It was observed that during the study there was a reduction in pasture availability from 1,557.12 to 1,103.5 kg DM / ha from start to finish study. The CMS values of the animals that received protein energetic supplements, expressed in kg / animal / day, were superior to those that consumed only protein supplementation, however, the supply of energy protein supplement did not affect the variables related to the average weight gain and total weight gain. In addition, a difference of 0.62 kg of GMD was observed in the beginning to the end of the study, this result may be associated with less pasture availability. Thus, heifers kept on Mombasa grass pasture during the transition period showed similar gains, and the producer can opt for any supplement.