Sistemas alternativos para produção intensiva de bovinos de ciclo curto.

Abstract

Management strategies of pasture during the growing phase, and different alternatives of finishing cattle to allow the short cycle livestock were evaluated. In growing phase, were studied different heights of the sward (20, 30 and 40 cm) of grass-HD364 in continuous stocking, from August, 2012; to May, 2013, evaluating the production characteristics and nutritional value of forage and animal performance and production per area. On termination, from May to September, 2013; five strategies were studied, three lots feedlot finished with different slaughter weights (510, 535 and 560 kg) and two in semiconfinement, one in pasture condition 40 days deferred and the other in pasture 80 days deferred, evaluating the productive performance and characteristics of animal carcasses, and the economic viability of the different strategies. The total mass forage was increased by 30% every increase of 10 cm in height, being reduced in the spring due to the low growth of forage per share of grazing animals, who selected more green leaves and stems than senescent material. Pastures grazed to 20 cm showed pasture degradation characteristics, while treatment of 40 cm showed greater difficulty for the reestablishment of time after the onset of the rains. The grass-HD364 has no difference in animal productivity when handled between 20 and 40 cm under continuous stocking, but recommended the sward to 30 cm by providing greater stability in the animals weight gain and present a force higher regrowth at the beginning of the rainy season. In the finishing phase, the confined animals reached the scheduled slaughter weights of 510, 535 and 560 kg at 63, 93 and 114 days, whereas the semiconfinement were slaughtered after 93 days. The confinement of animals to slaughter weight 510 kg showed higher daily weight gain, daily carcass gain, gross margin, net margin and profit per animal. Feedlot have greater weight gain and carcass with better finishing and higher fat composition than those ending in semiconfinement. The variable operating cost was higher for containment strategies, due to the higher cost of food, represented in 91.11% by concentrated component. Among the semiconfinement strategies, the 80 days deferred pasture presented the greater the opportunity cost due to longer period of sealing. The semiconfinement in pasture 80 days deferred has the lowest profit, while containment strategies 535 kg and semi pasture in well managed showed similar results. The termination of Zebu cattle in feedlot with 510 kg slaughter weight should be adopted in short-cycle systems provide better performance and economic results. However, semiconfinement may be an option for producers with less working capital, due to its lower total cost of production and direct disbursement to the finishing of the animals, since it carried out proper planning and proper pasture management.